-Chairman Tarpeh Backs Rep. Prince Toles, Calls for Urgent Relief and Humane Enforcement
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Unity Party on Monday blasted the demolition of homes in Saye Town, Sinkor, describing the action as “concerning and pathetic” and urging immediate humanitarian assistance for affected families.
Rev. Luther Tarpeh, national chairman of the ruling Unity Party, said the party supports the rule of law but called for compassion in how enforcement operations are carried out. “We must all lend helping hands to these people in these difficult times. We stand with you Honorable Prince Toles in your effort to ease the pain of our citizens,” Tarpeh wrote on social media in response to images and videos circulating of household structures being razed in the densely populated neighborhood.
The demolition — captured in a widely shared Facebook post showing heavy machinery bringing down structures and distraught residents watching — comes amid a broader wave of enforcement activity in parts of Sinkor and Central Monrovia aimed at reclaiming road reserves, drainage ways and public right-of-ways. Local residents and community leaders say many of those affected are low-income households who occupy narrow alleys and makeshift shelters.
Tarpeh’s statement singled out Hon. Prince A. Toles, the elected representative for Montserrado District #8 — which includes Saye Town — and urged coordinated relief measures. Prince Toles has been publicly active in recent days, meeting constituents and calling for measures to protect the displaced, residents said. Montserrado District #8 covers communities including Saye Town, Jallah Town and other Sinkor neighbourhoods.
Calls for Even-handed Enforcement
The News Newspaper earlier criticized what it called “selective demolition” in the Sinkor belt, noting concerns that enforcement is uneven and that wealthier property owners who also obstruct public spaces have escaped similar action. Critics say selective application of demolition orders fuels perceptions of political bias and social injustice. Community advocates have asked local authorities to publish clear criteria and timelines for demolitions and to offer temporary shelter or compensation where demolitions affect vulnerable families.
Humanitarian, Legal and Political Dimensions
Urban demolitions in Monrovia often carry three intertwined dimensions: a legal enforcement rationale (reclaiming public land or enforcing permits), an immediate humanitarian need (shelter, sanitation for evicted families), and a political fallout when residents, civil-society groups or opposition figures allege arbitrary or uneven application.
Tarpeh framed his response in both political and humanitarian terms. While emphasizing the Unity Party’s support for the rule of law, his message urged the national and municipal authorities to move beyond enforcement to provide relief and social protections for those who have lost homes or livelihoods as a result of the operation.
Local Leaders Press for Clarity, Relief
Community representatives and civic groups are pressing county and city agencies to produce a clear list of properties slated for removal, the legal basis for each action, and a plan to ensure that vulnerable households are not left destitute. Several residents who spoke on condition of anonymity said they received little or no notice, and that belongings were lost when structures were razed.
The controversy adds urgency to calls for a comprehensive, humane urban- renewal strategy: one that protects public safety and mobility while ensuring that evictions are done lawfully, transparently and with safety nets for displaced families.
What Happens Next
Municipal authorities and the Ministry of Public Works have yet to issue a detailed public statement about the Saye Town clearance beyond operational notices posted on enforcement days. Lawmakers representing the affected districts, including Rep. Prince Toles, are expected to meet city officials and social-protection agencies this week to seek immediate measures — temporary shelter, sanitation support, and clear timelines for any further demolitions.
In his post, Tarpeh urged citizens and party members to assist directly where possible and to hold authorities accountable for humane implementation of the law.
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