By Amos Harris
For the more than 100,000 residents spread across ten communities in DU-Neezo, a road is far more than a stretch of pavement; it is a vital lifeline to hospitals, schools, businesses, and the hope for a better future. That reality came into sharp focus on Saturday when a cross-section of residents gathered to meet with Montserrado County District #2 Representative Sekou S. Kanneh regarding the stalled pavement of the major access road linking Jacob Town, Nicky’s, City View, and Weins Town.
The meeting, held in the heart of the community, quickly turned emotional as residents recounted years of hardship caused by the deplorable condition of the road. Speaking on behalf of the community, General Chairman Mr. Livingstone J. Gballai described the painful human cost of the unfinished project. He noted that the damaged road has contributed to tragic deaths during medical emergencies, as patients often struggle to reach health facilities in time. He also shared the harrowing accounts of several pregnant women who reportedly suffered miscarriages while attempting to navigate the rough terrain in search of urgent care.
The burden is equally heavy for the community’s youth and vulnerable populations. School children reportedly leave home in the early morning hours only to arrive at their destinations late and exhausted, while many are forced to miss classes entirely during the rainy season. Furthermore, the road has made movement nearly impossible for persons living with disabilities, particularly those associated with the Mission of Hope for the Disabled, where transportation challenges continue to deepen their isolation.
What began as a symbol of progress has since transformed into a source of deep frustration. The road project was officially launched on July 19, 2020, following a groundbreaking ceremony by former President George M. Weah. Residents recalled that the contract was awarded to a firm called Solid Rock, with assurances that the work would be completed within six months. At the time, the promise of pavement raised hopes that the project would boost local businesses, ease transportation, and increase property values.
However, those dreams have remained out of reach. “It promised safer travel, better business, improved healthcare access, and a better life for our people,” Chairman Gballai lamented. “Today, we are seeing the opposite of hope and development.”
Residents stated that work initially commenced but was later abandoned after they were informed that the head of the contracting firm had passed away. During the 2023 general election campaign, another company, Cement and Steel, arrived to continue the pavement, briefly reviving public optimism. Since then, the project has stalled again. The community claims no clear explanation has been provided, despite repeated promises that the project would be captured in the national budget.
This persistent delay has left many residents feeling forgotten. After listening attentively to the testimonies, Representative Sekou S. Kanneh assured the gathering that their concerns would not go unheard. Known locally for supporting development initiatives, the lawmaker pledged his commitment to engaging the relevant authorities and exploring practical steps to ensure the road project resumes.
For the people of DU-Neezo, Representative Kanneh’s presence offered a glimmer of reassurance. The community remains hopeful that this latest intervention will finally bring relief to years of suffering and restore confidence in a project that once symbolized progress. Until then, families continue to endure the daily struggle of living along a road that was meant to change their lives but has instead become a painful reminder of unfulfilled promises.