By: J. Mason Kollie
Lofa County, Voinjama City-December 27, 2023-The aftermath of the Christmas celebration in Voinjama City, many have expressed fear for a gas station to be used as an entertainment center in the middle of the City.
On December 25, 2024, the former “Total Gas” station in central Voinjama City, now owned and operated by a popular business man in Lofa, Mr. John Semah was overwhelmed with children, youths, women, under-age girls, and elders who were there to celebrate and merry away the day set aside by Christendom worldwide to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Often accompanied by various forms of festivities and self-enjoyment especially following church services, most members of the public equally elects to buy various food items including alcoholic beverages and other drinks. Thus, celebrations in the city of Voinjama were truly not different.
During the celebration, some kids and elders were found engaging themselves in alcoholism, and other bad habits such as smoking and womanizing all around the premises.
Environmental Specialist who spoke to news men said, “Opening an entertainment center where gasoline was being sold was too risky for the community and the City at large.”
Mr. Akoi Karnu, another son of Lofa who is also an entrepreneur said in an interview, “My brother, it’s risky to open an entertainment center at a gas station where gasoline is sold. Imagine someone gets drunk and takes any action around this gas tank, what do think will happen? Everyone will be at complete risk. Thus, let Mr. Semah change the location of his entertainment center to another safe and secured part of the city”; Akoi Karnu further warned in tone that sounded to be angry.
On Christmas day, many young people were seen at the Gas station which has become notable for the sale of liquor and other alcoholic beverages especially during on the holidays.
Some of the youths who got drunk were involved in series of face fights and other kind of unruly activities of various types including womanizing and excessive drinking.
Many lookers and community members are calling on authority of the Voinjama City Corporation to urgently intervene in this matter in order for the Gas Station owner to relocate his night club far away from its current location in order to avoid danger.
Although, there has been absolutely no disaster or death reported from this year’s Christmas Celebration at the popular “Total Gas Station” in Voinjama City, there were several young people and under-aged children who fought and displayed all sorts of unacceptable behaviors.
Furthermore the broad spectrum of city residents interviewed indicated that it is too dangerous and unsafe for the night club to be stationed within the Gas station vicinity.
To conclude, the former Total Gas Station in Central Voinjama City is presently owned and operated by John Semah who happens to be a popular Business man in the County. He is also investing in Agriculture products.
Nowadays, the old Total Gas station entertainment center in Voinjama is the most popular entertainment Center in the City, and it is where young people, under-aged children, and elders gather during the evening hours especially on holidays such as Christmas and July 26, among others.
However, safety remains a major concern that requires urgent attention in case of violence and disaster.
Edited: Jesefu M. Keita
