MONROVIA – The Ministry of Public Works’ plan to construct two overpass bridges along Tubman Boulevard has triggered concerns among residents of three communities earmarked for clearance to make way for an alternative road.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The ministry’s proposed access route, intended to ease anticipated traffic congestion during construction, would cut through parts of Wroto Town, Diwenkon, and Transformer Communities.
To facilitate the project, eviction notices have been issued to residents occupying areas along the proposed road path. However, many affected families have voiced objections and are now seeking dialogue through their respective lawmakers.
Speaking during an engagement meeting with community residents over the weekend, Edmund Lloyd, Director of Zoning at the Ministry of Public Works, explained the necessity of the alternative route and emphasized its role in mitigating congestion and improving emergency access.
“This is not about dirt or any other thing. It’s about decongesting the Tubman Boulevard. Also, the government is opening alleys to ensure emergency services can access communities. If your properties are not accessible, there will be no way for emergency vehicles to get in during a crisis,” Lloyd said.
Lloyd noted that the proposed 50-foot clearance will follow the airport fence line, a corridor historically used as a connection between Wroto Town and the Old Road area in the 1960s. He emphasized that the area is classified as government land, currently occupied by residents under squatter rights.
“There will be a huge volume of traffic during the overpass construction. We are engaging communities so they understand the value of this access route. This is the initial engagement. Structures within the 50 feet will be marked, and removal orders will be issued,” he added, calling for public understanding of the sacrifices that often accompany development.
Montserrado County District 10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah, who was present at the meeting, acknowledged the residents’ frustrations and pledged to seek alternatives with central government.
Director of Zoning at the Ministry of Public Works, Mr. Edmund Lloyd speaking to residents during the engagement meeting
“We will appeal to the government to consider rerouting the road through the airport fence. The communities are willing to assist with security. However, the illegal dumping of dirt and garbage into the airport fence area by street thugs is making all of us look bad. We must take responsibility,” Kolubah said.
He encouraged residents to remain calm and avoid confrontations as discussions continue. “There is room for dialogue. Let us engage peacefully through the proper channels,” he urged.
Samuel Thomas, acting chairman of the Wroto Town Community, confirmed that residents received eviction notices on June 16, giving them a three-month deadline to vacate the premises.
However, he appealed for reconsideration of the timeline, citing the current rainy season and the economic challenges facing families.
“We welcome development, but we need more dialogue. This eviction is happening during the rainy season, and people are struggling. We are talking about over 5,000 residents here. Relocating will not be easy,” Thomas said.
Transformer Community Chairperson, Theresa Fayiah-Watso, also raised concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding compensation and resettlement support for long-term residents.
Residents of the three affected communities during the engagement meeting
“Some people have lived here for over 30 to 40 years. We don’t know anything about a compensation package. This is rainy season, and people are struggling with school fees and daily survival. We are not going to engage in violence, but we ask the government to see reason,” she said.
The Ministry of Public Works argues that the road construction is necessary for long-term traffic management and urban development. However, residents and community leaders are urging that the process be conducted with fairness, transparency, and adequate consultation.
