The development follows the ongoing feeder road construction initiative led by Maryland County’s District 3 Representative Austin B. Taylor, aimed at improving road access to several remote communities across the district.
POMUKEN, Maryland County — For the first time in decades, a vehicle has successfully entered Pomuken Town in Karluway District, Maryland County, bringing relief and renewed hope to residents who have long struggled with transportation challenges.
According to community members, since the 1990s vehicles had been unable to access the historic town due to the lack of proper road connectivity. For many years, residents relied mainly on footpaths and motorbikes to move in and out of the community, making travel, trade, and access to basic services extremely difficult.
However, over the weekend, history was made when a vehicle belonging to the Maryland Vocational and Technical Institute drove into Pomuken Town, marking the first time in decades that a car had reached the community.
The development follows the ongoing feeder road construction initiative led by Maryland County’s District 3 Representative Austin B. Taylor, aimed at improving road access to several remote communities across the district.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the town on Monday, Pomuken’s General Town Chief, Quessay A. Chelleh, Sr., explained that the road to the town was first constructed in 1986 and later rehabilitated in 1993 before the civil war. Since the war, he said, the road had deteriorated and became nearly impassable, leaving the town largely cut off from vehicle access.
Chief Chelleh noted that several politicians had promised to rehabilitate the road over the years but those promises were never fulfilled. He said the situation began to change after Representative Taylor pledged during the 2023 campaign to open the road and later launched the project earlier this year.
According to him, clearing works and the construction of bridges have now opened access to the town, making it possible for a vehicle to enter Pomuken for the first time in decades, a moment he described as “more than a dream come true.” “We are grateful.” He said.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of Pomuken Town, Mrs. Janet Gbah, said the lack of road access had long affected farmers in the community, as many of their market produce often spoiled before reaching nearby markets.
She said the situation has started improving since the road clearing began, noting that transportation costs have already reduced. Mrs. Gbah expressed hope that the project will be fully completed, saying residents are “praying that God helps the representative complete the road.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Desmond Dogbe, District Coordinator in the home office of Representative Taylor, said the project is progressing steadily. He explained that the clearing stage using earth-moving equipment has been completed, while more than five bridges along the road have already been constructed.
Dogbe disclosed that only one small bridge over a valley remains to be built before the next phase begins. He said once that work is completed, a motor grader will be brought in to begin grading the road, noting that “the motor grader will be taken there this week to do the paving.”
Residents believe the road project will significantly improve transportation, trade, and access to essential services for Pomuken and surrounding communities that have remained isolated for many years.
