The residents of Kakata, Margibi County, Liberia, have taken to the streets for the second time in January 2025 to protest the deplorable condition of their roads. Decades of neglect have left the city’s roads riddled with potholes, cracks, and gullies, making them nearly impassable during the rainy season and choked with dust during the dry season. The residents, a diverse group including former political candidates, business owners, students, and motorcyclists, are demanding immediate government intervention to pave two major roads in the city, Old and New 14th roads. They argue that Kakata, located near the capital city of Monrovia and home to several concession companies, deserves paved roads, especially when other, more distant cities like Gompa, Gbarnga, Buchanan, and Voinjama boast paved infrastructure.
The residents’ frustration stems from years of unfulfilled promises. In 2018, former President George Weah pledged to pave several key roads in Kakata, including the ‘ELWA Junction’ Road and the Mandingo Quarter to Vai Town Road. Despite public outcry, these promises remain unfulfilled. The current deplorable state of the roads poses significant safety risks to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, while also hindering economic activity. The difficult road conditions lead to higher transportation costs, delays in the movement of goods and services, and ultimately, loss of income for local businesses. The residents believe that paving, rather than mere rehabilitation, is the only sustainable solution to these long-standing problems.
On January 7, 2025, the residents staged their first protest and presented a petition to Superintendent Victoria Worlobah Duncan, along with copies to the Margibi Legislative Caucus, Senate President Pro-tempore Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence, and the Ministries of Public Works and Internal Affairs. The petition clearly outlined their demands for paved roads and highlighted the dire consequences of inaction. Dissatisfied with the lack of response, the residents returned to the streets on January 29, 2025, renewing their calls for government action. They marched through the main streets of Kakata to the county administration building, where they voiced their frustrations and reiterated their demands.
Superintendent Duncan acknowledges receipt of the petition but cites her involvement in national events, such as the ongoing National County Sports Meet, as a reason for the delayed response. She claims to have contacted a member of the protesting group to schedule a meeting on January 31, 2025, to discuss the issue. However, the residents, led by spokesperson Sandy S. Johnson, express deep disappointment with the county leadership’s lack of urgency and threaten to escalate their protests with “radical actions” if their demands are not met. They emphasize that they are seeking pavement, not just rehabilitation, of the roads, a point of contention they feel has been misrepresented in some reports.
The residents’ frustration is palpable. They compare Kakata’s neglected infrastructure to that of other Liberian cities, questioning why their proximity to the capital and the presence of concession companies have not translated into improved road conditions. They argue that paved roads are not a luxury but a necessity for the safety and economic well-being of their community. The ultimatum they gave Superintendent Duncan, which she reportedly failed to meet, underscores their determination to see tangible action taken. They view the continued neglect as a sign of disregard for their needs and are prepared to escalate their protests until their voices are heard and their demands are met.
The escalating protests in Kakata highlight the critical need for infrastructure development in Liberia. The residents’ demands for paved roads are not just about convenience but about safety, economic opportunity, and the overall well-being of their community. The situation underscores the importance of government responsiveness and the need for sustainable solutions to long-standing infrastructure challenges. The residents’ willingness to take to the streets and their threat of more radical action demonstrate their resolve to hold their leaders accountable and secure the necessary improvements for their city. The outcome of this ongoing dispute will likely serve as a crucial indicator of the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure needs and responding to the concerns of its citizens.
