By Bill W. Cooper
Serious tensions are said to be escalating as a group of Liberians has threatened to demolish businessman George Kailondo’s multi-story structure situated on Tubman Boulevard (540 Junction).
The group said their decision was triggered by the government, through the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) failure to take action to remove the building, similar to the demolition of their own properties to make way for the construction of the overhead bridges.
Recently, many Liberians observed what seems to be a selective demolition exercise amid the neglect of Kailondo’s Building, which remains intact in the face of the ongoing destruction of nearby structures.
As a result, some Liberians further viewed the act to be a biased approach by the Public Works Ministry regarding the Kailondo multi-story structure, despite demolishing other Liberians, including the famous Winners’ Chapel Church structures.
Kailondo, who is also a legal expert, is a key supporter of the ruling Unity Party (UP), as information had it that Kialondo also provided significant financial support for the current administration’s 2023 campaign.
However, before the 2023 election, the former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government designated the building for demolition to make way for the construction of overhead bridges, but the UP administration has since left the building untouched.
But some of the residents, in conversation with the Inquirer Newspaper claim that the government is being very selective in its approach to property demolition, having previously razed their homes and businesses without adequate compensation or relocation plans.
“We are tired of being treated like second-class citizens in our own country, and if the government can demolish our properties without hesitation, then they should also take down the Kialondo Building if it is indeed in the way of the bridge.
Because we, as residents of this community, will not stand by and watch as our rights are trampled upon.
We are clear about this, and if the government fails to do what is right, we will break this building down by ourselves,” Samuel Johnson, one of the affected residents, stated.
According to the affected residents, they are not against the government’s plans to ensure the construction of the overhead bridges but argue that the government should clearly explain its reason(s) behind the neglect of Kailondo’s Building.
The aggrieved residents added, “We are therefore calling on the government to act now or else we will act for it.
Kailondo is not above the law as such; the government must ensure that we all are treated fairly, especially when it comes to issues of land and property.”
Also weighing on the issues, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson Miamen, in his official Facebook, said, “This is a valid concern from the citizens; the Government, especially the Ministry of Public Works, needs to explain to the people the reason behind their decision.”
“The government also need to give cogent reasons why this building, reportedly belonging to businessman and politician Kailondo, is still standing while all others have been demolished for the overpass project,” he added.
In response to the saga, businessman Kailondo defended his building, asserting that it was constructed in compliance with all necessary regulations and had been certified by both the previous government and Chinese engineers involved in the project.
In an interview yesterday, April 21, 2025, Kailondo asserted, “My building is not in the way of the proposed bridge, and I have all the documentation to prove it.
This is a matter of due process and respect for property rights.”
“So, I’m not deterred by any threats, be it from the media or my enemies who want to see my downfall.
But you know, I am not going to give them credence because this my property has been certified and not even by this government, but the previous government,” he added.
Meanwhile, all efforts exerted to speak with the Ministry of Public Works proved futile despite numerous calls and text messages sent to the Ministry Communications Director, Benjamin Myers, by our reporter.
Liberians Agitate Over ‘Untouchable’ Kialondo Building At 540, But…
