By: Ramsey N Singbeh Jr
Email: director@news.throngtalk.com
Contact: +231772642246 / 880147358
Following decades, after enduring deployable road conditions in Kakaka, residents of the city who are weary of the appalling road conditions are demanding through a protest action the Liberian Government’s attention to immediately rehabilitate roads in the area especially, the New and Old 14th Roads.
The roads are two of the major roads connecting Kakata to Firestone Liberia, leading to the only government referral hospital in Margibi, Charles Henry Rennie Hospital and many other communities in the city.
The protesters who paraded through the principle streets of Kakaka to the administrative building where the county authorities are seated included former representative candidates, business people, opposition political party leadership, students, motorcyclists and many others carrying placards with different inscriptions regarding their plight.
Some of the placards the protesters paraded with
The protest took place on Wednesday January 8, 2025 during the morning hours.
The protesters are under the auspices of the Citizen United for Sustainable Development headed by Mr Sandy S Johnson as the chairman.
They presented a petition under the signatures of Somah W Tarpeh, secretary general, Forkpayea F W Siaffa, PRO, Caesar Lamadine, Financial Secretary, Emmanuel D Roberts, champlain, Foday G Faisu, Sr, vice chair for mobilization and recruitment and Sandy Saye Johnson, chairman.
Reading the petition at the offices of the Margibi County Administration specifically to the County Administrative Officer, Togea Samu Zarwea also in the presence of the county development officer, Lewis B. Kaine, Mr. Johnson who is a former contestant of Margibi District #: 3 where two of the major roads are situated stated: “We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Old and New 14th Roads, respectfully address this petition to bring to your attention the dire condition of the roads in our communities. The poor state of the road has begun a pressing issue, affecting daily lives, transportation and safe movement and has contributed to increased vehicle damage, hindering emergency services and considerable inconveniences for the residents.”
Mr Johnson also says, to address challenges the roads have created in their area, they urgently request the government of Liberia through the office of the Margibi County Superintendent, Victoria Worlobah Duncan to prioritize the rehabilitation and pavement of the roads.
Further informing government through their petition about the devastating nature of the road, the Citizens United for Sustainable Development says the road is in the state of disrepair characterized by potholes, cracks, erosion, uneven surface etc.
According to the group, they witnessed the ground breaking ceremonies to pave the roads, saw yellow machines in Kakata during former President Weah’s regime but almost all the machines disappeared over nights while some were abandoned at the current site around the Smith and Son Building leaving the work undone.
“These deteriorating conditions have persisted for over 30 years with little or no significant improvement. Ganta, Gbarnga, Buchanan and Voinjama that are far away from the capital, Monrovia are boasting of more community road pavements, while roads in Kakaka next to Monrovia with more concession areas are in dying need of sustainable development,” the petition also noted.
The damaged roads they say pose significant risks to the lives of motorists, especially motorbike operators and pedestrians. Frequent accidents including fatalities have been reported due to the road conditions, all this, the protesters outlined under safety.
They also lamented economic impact, environmental concerns and public health as part of problems created by the roads.
They called on the government through the superintendent to halt any grading of road without asphalt or concrete pavement along the 14th Roads and to take immediate action within four working days to address the petition as of the day of its submission.
In their petition, they are demanding the following including the rehabilitation of the roads with asphalt pavement or concrete cement pavement to ensure safe and reliable transportation network, the allocation of sufficient funding and resources for the timely completion of the road network and the regular maintenance of the paved roads to ensure they remain in good condition for the long term benefit of the public.
The group spoke that it believes that the rehabilitation and pavement of roads in the City of Kakaka will significantly enhance public safety, improve economic activities and contribute to the well being of the entire community. “We urge the national government to prioritize this vital infrastructure project and provide us with necessary support to ensure that our roads are safe for all users.
Margibi County Administrative Officer, Togea Samu Zarwea
Speaking to Throngtalk News Bureau about the protesters’ petition, the Margibi County Administrative Officer, Togea Samu Zarwea described the move as peaceful and said when Liberians continue to have such engagements, they are going to be on the right path.
According to him, the protestors showed no hostility. He told our news bureau that the superintendent was not around but went to attend a meeting, therefore; he received the petition and assured the protestors that the county administration will get back to them in the soonest and possible time.
He narrated that he expressed his delight and promised them of the county’s leadership commitment in working on their plight. He said the county has a plan which led it to also validating the county’s development agenda which has something about roads.
How be it, he added that the Ministry of Public Works informed their leadership that the roads in Kakaka has already been contacted and will be done in the soonest and possible time.
He however urged Margibins to address their issues to the requisite authorities to ensure that they get the resolutions.
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