MPW To Demolish Structures Built In Alleys  

By Calvin Brooks

 Public Works Minister, Roland Giddings has disclosed plans by the Ministry to commence the demolition of structures built in alleys across the country beginning November 2024.

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) boss made the remarks Monday, September 16, 2024, on a local radio station in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, where he stressed that buildings on alleys is a violation of the zoning law of Liberia.

Minister Giddings stressed that some people build in the alleys due to lack of information or education concerning the zoning laws, but demolition will be implemented to ensure waterway and drainages are free for rainwater to flow in the rainy season which will prevent flooding in any part of the country.

Additionally, the MPW official noted that more Liberians are building without getting building permits from the Ministry which makes it impossible for the ministry to verify whether their design and materials meet the requirements.

He pointed out that getting building permits from the Ministry of Public Works before building has been an existing law but has been neglected over the years due to the lack of enforcement.

Giddings indicated that the Ministry will embark on major awareness programs to inform and educate Liberians on the negative impacts of building their houses in alleys and mangrove swamps, which according to him, is risky to their lives and lives of their children.