By Bill W. Cooper
The Inquirer Newspaper has observed that the Clara Town Road Corridor has become a point of frustration and despair for residents as well as commuters using that route.
With its increasing reports of accidents and injuries, the residents and commuters are now raising their voices against the deplorable conditions of the road, describing the road condition as a “death trap.”
The Via Town Corridor, which stretches from the Freeport of Monrovia, passing through Via Town upward to Broad and Johnson Streets’ intersections, serves as a primary route for thousands of commuters daily, leaving from one point to another.
According to our reporter who toured the area over the weekend, potholes, crumbling asphalt, and inadequate drainage systems have transformed the once-busy route into a hazardous and impassable corridor.
Also, the heavy downpour of rains in recent months amidst the raining season has further exacerbated the situation, turning the road into a river quagmire that is nearly impassable.
Economically, the Clara Town Corridor is a critical link for businesses and if the road continues to deteriorate, the potential for economic growth will diminish, leaving many residents in a cycle of poverty and despair.
The poor condition of that corridor is not just a safety issue but also an economic one as businesses along that route are suffering as customers are deterred by its flooding conditions.
Recently, Public Works Minister, Roland Giddings, during his appearance before members of the Liberian Senate assured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the situation is addressed in the soonest possible time.
This corridor’s rehabilitation contract, value at US$8,569,417.93 was awarded to the Modern Development Management Corporation (MDMC) by the government of former President George Weah.
Even though an initial advance payment of US$3,856,238 was made to the company to jump-start the work, but to date, only minor intervention works have been done, leaving pedestrians, commercial drivers and residents in total disarray.
But during his appearance recently, the Minister however, pledged to work collaboratively with the Senate and MDMC to address the concerns raised during the hearing, ensuring that the work is poised to commence in October of this year, depending on the weather.
Despite the assurance from Minister Giddings, many locals spoken to over the weekend, expressed their frustration in the past and current administration of doing nothing to address the Via Town through Clara Town, to Freeport Road corridor.
A stranded bus driver, Muhammad Bah said, “Every day, our cars can get stuck or sometime make accidents in an attempt to avoid the potholes. This situation is not just inconvenient but dangerous. We need serious action now from our government.”
According to him, the road’s condition has not only affected personal vehicles but has also impacted public transportation, with many of his colleagues, including private vehicle owners often find themselves forced to take risk just to have easy access.
One passenger, Mary Tamba decried, “We are tired of waiting for promises that never materialize. We want to see action. Our lives are at stake every time we use this road and this very much unacceptable.”
Another pedestrian, Sarah Johnson further declared, “We are not asking for miracles; we are asking for basic safety. We want to be able to commute without fear. We want our children to be safe when they go to school.”
“So, it is time that this Rescue Mission Government step up and take responsibility by prioritizing road repairs and maintenance, not just for Clara Town route but for all of the country’s deplorable roads,” she added.
