Over 60, 000 Freeway Residents Get Relief
-As House Amends Expropriation Of Industrial Development Act
By: Fiona Benson Kollie
The House of Representatives has passed into law a proposed amendment to the 1965 Act that authorizes the expropriation of specific land parcels for over 60,000 Residents along the Chicken Factory area bringing relief to them. The passage followed a comprehensive report presented by the Joint Committees on Internal Affairs and Ways, Means & Finance, which thoroughly reviewed the bill and recommended its enactment. The amendment was introduced by Montserrado County Electoral District #12 Representative, Jerry K. Yorgbor. According to the Joint Committee report, over 60,000 Liberians occupying the portion of the MIP still considered industrial areas, have settled and developed their lives and properties on this land for over 40 years, enjoying free movement and security as provided for in Article 11(a) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, which states: “ All persons are born equally free and independent and have certain natural inherent and alienable rights, among which are the right to enjoying and defending Life and Liberty, of pursuing and maintaining the security of the person and of acquiring, possession and protecting property. The report noted that statistical assessment done by the Committee further revealed that residents of those properties are Liberians who have established a large community of people within 8 blocks, covering about 4,000 dwelling homes, 41 schools, 64 churches 9 mosques and 3 markets for their survival and livelihood of their Children. Meanwhile, based upon the statistics and opinion gathered from the hearing, the Joint Committee resolved that the National Housing Authority take siege of the matter and grant ownership and tittles of the properties to the residents through a lease purchase agreement or a mortgage or other means consistent with the National Housing Authority policy and procedures of land and real property ownership. During the floor debate, members of the House emphasized the importance of balancing national development priorities with the rights of citizens. It was noted that over 60,000 Liberians currently reside on the targeted land—considered part of the Monrovia Industrial Park (MIP)—having lived and developed communities there for more than four decades. Quoting Article 11(a) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, lawmakers reiterated the right of all persons to “enjoy and defend life and liberty,” including the right to property ownership and personal security. The area in question includes over 4,000 homes, 41 schools, 64 churches, 9 mosques, and 3 markets, forming a vibrant and long-established community.
The legislation now advances to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
The bill was passed during plenary session on Friday, July 18, 2025, and has since been transmitted to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.