THE 1986 CONSTITUTION gives the Liberian people the right to own property and enjoy the security of ownership under their government. The years following the end of the civil war have been economically difficult years for the Liberian people, yet many have managed to work hard and own real property. Although some of these properties fall within designated sites for public works, such as road expansion, the commendation of the administration of President George M. Weah is that the administration has committed itself to the rights and security of properties owned by Liberians. The Weah government, through the Ministry of Public Works, has announced that the compensation for all properties expected to be demolished along the ELWA—RIA road corridor (a 45-kilometer road which is about to be rehabilitated due to its deplorable condition) is expected to begin on Friday, April 16, 2021.
ACCORDING TO A Ministry of Public Works release, all project affect persons (PAPs) with properties in the right of way, between Roberts International Airport to ELWA’s intersection, who have completed all documentation requirement through the Paynesville City Corporation and the Unification City Corporation, should be informed that payment of compensation packages will begin on Friday, April 16, 2021. “Eligible property owners are informed that payment will commence from the Unification City Center to Disco Hill under segment one, and from ELWA’s intersection to Rock Church community under segment two,” a release from the Ministry of Public Works stated.
PUBLIC WORKS NOTED that no compensation will be made until proper ownership of affected properties is established and valid identification card is presented. “All PAPs concerned are advised to take note of the schedule provided for processing and issuance of compensation checks,” the Public Works release continued.
THE MINISTRY URGED project-affected persons who have not submitted their ownership documents to submit same immediately, as no consideration will be granted to late comers. “Demolition of all affected properties with segments one and two will commence on Monday, May 17, 2021.”