SKD Community Residents Cry Out For Help Following Gov’t Demolition

By: Tasha E. Warner/Jefferson Leokolliemeah

Residents of the SKD Community in Paynesville are crying out in frustration and despair following the unexpected demolition of their homes and essential public facilities.

The demolition, carried out to create a storage hub for the Boulevard Overhead Bridge construction project, has left families displaced and basic services disrupted. Speaking to the LHRJN-TV, residents of the community disclosed that the contested land was previously allocated to them by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. It was intended for the development of public latrines, a police station, a sports pitch, and residential housing for low-income citizens.

Their claims were backed by documents in possession of this news network. One of the affected residents, Mr. Christopher B. Boakai Sr., a former employee of the Ministry, says he had been living on the land with official permission and was assured by authorities that any future repossession would be preceded by formal notice.

“I lived here for over nine years and developed the area based on the Ministry’s assurances,” Mr. Boakai told reporters. They promised to notify me in advance if the government needed the land back. Sadly, that never happened. My home was demolished without warning, and I lost everything, including personal belongings that were stolen during the forced eviction. I’m now homeless and staying with friends.” Madam Elizabeth, another long-time resident, expressed growing concern over public health risks following the demolition of community latrines.

“Open defecation has become the order of the day since the latrines were destroyed. It’s affecting our health and dignity,” she lamented.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Youth and Sports have so far been unsuccessful. The Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Oxford Brown, initially agreed to comment but has remained unreachable despite repeated follow-up attempts. Meanwhile, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), when contacted, indicated that it has not received any formal complaints from the affected residents. However, the Commission urged those impacted to come forward and report any violations. As construction of the Boulevard Overhead Bridge progresses, residents of the SKD Community continue to seek clarity, accountability, and immediate humanitarian assistance.