By: Emmanuel Koffa |Grand Kru Correspondent
Barclayville City, Grand Kru County| April 29, 2026|The Government of Liberia has begun demolishing structures along the Barclayville–Sasstown 50-kilometer road corridor in Grand Kru County, signaling progress on a long-awaited infrastructure project—but also stirring concerns among affected residents over fairness, transparency, and timing.
The demolition exercise, which started on April 28, 2026, has impacted communities including Nrokia, Wessah, and Daryokpo, where more than 100 structures have reportedly been torn down to make way for construction.
While government officials maintain that compensation was provided ahead of the exercise, some residents say the process has not been entirely equitable.
Concerns have surfaced over whether all affected households were fully compensated, and whether payments reflected the true value of lost homes and livelihoods.
The project is funded by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), under a 2019 agreement signed during the administration of former President George Weah. Implementation is now being carried forward under President Joseph Boakai, whose government has emphasized infrastructure as a key development priority.
However, the transition between administrations has also raised questions about continuity and oversight—particularly regarding how earlier agreements are being executed on the ground.
Some community members claim that while certain areas reportedly received payments, others—especially closer to Barclayville—are uncertain about their status or say they are yet to benefit from compensation arrangements. These claims could not be independently verified at the time of reporting, but they reflect growing unease in parts of the affected corridor.
Beyond compensation, there are also concerns about communication. Residents say clearer timelines, relocation plans, and grievance mechanisms could have helped reduce the emotional and economic strain caused by the demolition.
Despite these issues, many still acknowledge the long-term importance of the road project.
Improved connectivity between Barclayville and Sasstown is expected to boost trade, ease transportation challenges, and open up economic opportunities in one of Liberia’s most remote regions.
For now, the demolition marks both progress and tension—highlighting the delicate balance between national development goals and the rights and welfare of local communities.
