City Park Project in Ruins

The lack of sustainability and maintenance of key government projects continues to be a major challenge in Liberia.

Despite government funding and support, the failure to properly maintain these projects often results in what many see as a waste of taxpayers' money.

As this challenge persists, the need to address it cannot be overemphasized.

One such abandoned initiative is Mary Broh's Monrovia City Beautification Project.

Upon its inauguration several years ago, the project transformed Monrovia’s landscape with the planting of trees that gave the capital a fresh, green, and attractive appearance.

The project also included a well-designed fence painted red, white, and blue in the heart of the city.

At the same time, it drew admiration from citizens, many of whom praised Madam Broh and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for such a meaningful development.

Part of the fence, especially the section facing the main road, was intended to serve as an advertising space for city promotions. However, it is now rendered useless due to the abandonment of the infrastructure.

Due to neglect and the absence of regular upkeep, the project has deteriorated significantly.

Today, the once-vibrant fence is faded and broken. The area has become a haven for people living with mental illness, while the once well-maintained trees and grass have overgrown, forming a mini forest in central Monrovia.

The situation is embarrassing. The site now resembles a dumpsite and, by nightfall, reportedly serves as a refuge for "at-risk youth" commonly referred to as Zogos.

The area has become so unsanitary that passers-by often rush past while covering their noses, disturbed by the overwhelming stench from piles of garbage.

The current state of this neglected project is both alarming and deeply concerning.

Some concerned citizens are now calling on the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) to urgently intervene and restore the site, in an effort to revive the once-beautiful image of Liberia’s capital city.