By Archie Sei-Bob Yini
Tension is brewing at the busy ELWA-Rehab Junction as hundreds of commercial motorcyclists are raising concerns over what they describe as an “unfair attempt” to evict them from their long-established parking lot.
A dispute ensued recently when a local businesswoman, identified as Leela Jallah allegedly demanded that the motorcyclists vacate the area in front of her newly established entertainment center.
It appears that did not go down well with the riders. The head of the aggrieved motorcyclists, Mr. Joe Lahai, told Blaze Daily News that the riders were shocked by the demand because they believe it is the business premises that encroached on the road, situated directly under a high-tension power line. He described the location as unsafe, even for customers of the business center.
“We are not against business, but we cannot just leave our parking space because someone claims it,” Lahai stressed, “this is where we earn our daily bread.” He added, “If they succeed in putting us out, most of us will be out of work.”
The riders further alleged that the businesswoman threatened to use her connections to remove them from the junction, a claim that has fueled anger among the group.
The motorcyclists are now appealing to the Government of Liberia, particularly the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) and other relevant authorities, to intervene in the matter. They maintain that commercial motorcycling remains their only source of livelihood and that removing them without an alternative space will create serious economic hardship for them and their families.
The owner of the entertainment center is yet to respond to the allegations. Blaze Daily News reached out to the business center to talk to the owner but she didn’t show up. BDN is exerting all efforts to speak with her.
Our reporter reached out to the PCC Media person through calls and he promised to talk to me but never did.
The ELWA-Rehab Junction is one of the busiest intersections in Paynesville, serving as a major hub for commuters traveling to and from central Monrovia and surrounding communities.
