IPNEWS: Heated confrontation erupted Friday, November 7, 2025, between Montserrado County Senator Saah H. Joseph and Assistant Minister for Planning and Programmes at the Ministry of Public Works, Abraham Bility, during a demolition exercise in the Wroto Town community, Airfield, Sinkor.
The altercation ensued when a team from the Ministry of Public Works arrived in the community to execute a planned demolition as part of ongoing efforts to clear right-of-way areas for infrastructure development projects.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the tension flared when Senator Joseph arrived on the scene and demanded that the demolition be suspended, insisting that the government must first budget compensation for those whose properties would be affected by the clearance.
“These are people’s homes and businesses,” Senator Joseph reportedly said. “Before you break them down, there should be provision in the National Budget to pay compensation. The Senate will not allow the demolition to continue without due process.”
However, Assistant Minister Bility sharply rejected the senator’s intervention, accusing him of obstructing lawful government operations and inciting resistance among residents.
“The Ministry of Public Works has a statutory mandate to build and maintain roads across the country,” Bility stated. “Any illegal structures or encroachments within government rights-of-way will be removed — whether in Monrovia or anywhere else.”
The Public Works official noted that such political interference not only undermines the Ministry’s authority but also endangers the safety of field staff, many of whom were confronted by angry residents during the standoff.
Bility cautioned that allowing encroachment to persist will continue to frustrate national infrastructure projects, adding that the Ministry will intensify demolition and road clearance activities during the dry season, when construction works can proceed more efficiently. By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail. Com
