By Elbie Sebleh
MONROVIA: Minister of Public Works, Roland Giddings, has disclosed that the government of Liberia is set to start the demolition of properties that are in the alleys and drainages, a situation which is causing increasing floods in the country during the raining season.
The public works minister made it known that the demolition exercise is expected to take place beginning November 2024.
He made the pronouncement during the Ministry of Information regular press briefing recently on Capitol Hill in Monrovia.
Minister Giddings also cautioned any officials of the government not to make attempt in influencing the work of the ministry by pleading with officials to negotiate with any affected party.
According to him, the drainages have been clogged with dirt while Liberians are intentionally building in the alley and swam areas, thus causing more citizens and residents to be made homeless by floods and erosion until the end of the rainy season.
He, at the same time, asserted that the Public Works Ministry is now finalizing the procumbent process that will seek maintenance intervention on various roads and streets in Monrovia through asphalt patching.
He further stated that the repair works will be done on roads which are situated various communities including Mambo Town, Battery Factory, Stockton Creek, Manco junction, and Duala mansion among others in and around Monrovia.
The repairing of roads will also take place Red light, Broad Street, Johnson Street to Freeport, Benson and Gurley Streets intersection, Jallah Town and SKD boulevard.
Meanwhile, Minister Giddings stated that construction work for the overpass bridges will commence near the Ministerial Complex and SKD Boulevard Junction in February 2025.
He added the public works is finalizing the payment of affected properties owners in the areas while conducting assessment for alternative routes to be used by the public during the construction period.