Demolitions to Continue -Works Minister Justifies Rights-of-Way Enforcement

MONROVIA – Urban planning enforcement in Liberia has entered a contentious phase as the Ministry of Public Works intensifies efforts to clear alleys and road rights-of-way. The initiative, framed as essential for infrastructure development and public safety, follows criticism over recent demolition exercises in densely populated communities. While government officials insist that enforcement is lawful and necessary to guarantee emergency access and road expansion, affected residents express concerns over displacement and compensation. The policy underscores the delicate balance between modernization and social protection, as authorities promise humane notice periods while maintaining that illegal encroachments cannot persist indefinitely. THE ANALYST reports.

Public Works Minister Roland Giddings has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to removing structures built illegally on alleys and road corridors.

Speaking during a Liberian Senate hearing, Giddings stated: “The government will not break structures down in one day, but we will break them down. You cannot build on an alley and remain there.”

He explained that occupants whose structures encroach on rights-of-way will receive up to three months’ notice to relocate or conduct self-demolition.

“If only part of the structure is on the alley, remove that part. If the whole structure is on the alley, the whole structure will go,” he said.

Giddings emphasized presidential backing for the enforcement exercise, describing President Boakai as “passionate” about clearing blocked corridors.

The minister cited areas including Fish Market, VP Road, and Nigeria House, where access routes have been reopened. He referenced the “Passion Entertainment” structure near Kelley Junction, recalling prior fatal incidents due to encroachment.

He also addressed compensation disputes, noting that in some road projects compensation had already been paid before residents rebuilt on the corridor.

“We already paid. We are not paying again,” he stated.

Beyond infrastructure, Giddings emphasized emergency response concerns, noting that blocked alleys prevent fire trucks and ambulances from accessing communities.

“We will talk to the people, give them time—but we must develop this country,” he concluded.