Monrovia – The Chairman of the NASSCORP Village Brewerville Jahtondo Town Road, Emmanuel Toe, has accused authorities of the National Housing Authority (NHA) of selling areas reserved for school, clinic, police station, market, sports ground and even children’s playgrounds to private individuals instead of maintaining the original development plan.
By Augustus D.R Bortue, [email protected]
According to Chairman Toe, the situation is now creating serious confusion and conflict among residents.
‘‘People wake up one morning believing an open space belongs to the community, only to discover that someone has arrived claiming ownership and beginning construction because they allegedly purchased the land from the NHA,’’ Chairman Toe asserted.
Speaking in an interview with FrontPage Africa at the NASSCORP Village Brewerville Jahtondo Town Road recently, Mr. Toe intimated that even a small basketball area that children attempted to use was reportedly destroyed by an individual said to be associated with the estate management, who claimed he legally purchased the property from the NHA.
As a result, he said the community remains incomplete and poorly planned despite the original promises made to homeowners.
He recalled that the housing estate was constructed during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, and it was intended for low-income earners under a mortgage arrangement.
Chairman Toe, who toured this writer at NASSCORP Village, averred that residents applied for homes and once their applications were approved, they began making payments.
However, he claimed that over time, the original mortgage vision appeared to have changed.
He pointed out that initially, the community was designed to be a modern and well-planned estate.
‘‘We were promised essential facilities such as schools, clinics, police stations, sports grounds, markets, parks and recreational spaces. These are basic services expected in any normal community. Unfortunately, many of those promised facilities were never constructed. At one point, the NHA informed us that they lacked the financial capacity to complete those projects. We understood that challenge and even believed alternative support or partnerships could eventually help develop those areas,’’ the Chairman of the NASSCORP Village Estate told the FPA.
When asked whether he had made formal representation to authorities of NHA regarding their alleged sale of part of the estate, he responded in the affirmative.
‘‘We met with the Managing Director and other officials of the NHA on several occasions. During those meetings, we explained our concerns and were assured that action would be taken. At one point, officials visited the estate and toured the disputed areas. They told us they would review the situation and get back to the community. Unfortunately, after those visits, nothing changed. Instead, the selling of the community land reportedly continued,’’ Mr. Toe further asserted.
Chairman Toe accentuated that today, fences are being erected and people openly claim they intend to build private homes on land originally designated for public use.
‘‘We believe this matter now requires the intervention of higher authorities, including the President of Liberia and relevant government institutions. There should be a full investigation into how these lands are being sold,’’ Chairman Toe continued.
‘‘We have seen documents and receipts allegedly showing that some of these parcels of land were sold for as little as US$300. This raises serious questions. Is the government truly selling valuable community land at such prices? And if so, under what legal process?,’’ he asked.
Chairman Toe intoned that they also attempted to seek legal intervention through the courts to stop some of the sales.
However, he said the NHA reportedly defended its actions by claiming it has the authority to sell any land under its control.
When contacted, authorities of the NHA through Dixon Nebo, Estate Manager, NHA, said before anyone can acquire property, he or she must go through the legal process, whether through a mortgage arrangement or direct purchase.
According to Mr. Nebo, many of the current occupants at the estate followed those procedures legally.
When asked about claims that the NHA sold portions of community facilities,
Mr. Nebo responded in the negative, saying, “We have not sold community facilities.” There is still a basketball court there, and there is also a children’s playground that was recently renovated. The community continues to use these facilities freely. If you go there with me, I can show you all those areas myself. The recreational centers and public spaces are still there and remain intended for community use. None of those spaces have been handed over to private individuals.’’
He said during a recent meeting with community leaders that lasted about three or four hours, concerns were raised about facilities they wanted developed.
‘‘We advised them to engage lawmakers and stakeholders to help support development in those areas. This is a government institution. When issues arise, the community should come to us directly so we can address them together instead of creating unnecessary public confusion,’’ Mr. Nebo said.
When also asked about allegations that the NHA is illegally selling land, the NHA Estate Manager Nebo denied that the NHA is illegally selling any land.
‘‘People are simply exercising their legal right to acquire property through the established programs. Some people use mortgage arrangements because they cannot afford direct purchase. Others can pay outright. The program exists to give all Liberians equal opportunity through legal processes,’’ Mr. Nebo stated.
He said the issue currently being discussed involves a dispute between individuals over adjacent property rights, and the matter is already before the court.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nebo has advised residents of NASSCORP Village that when they have concerns, it is better to engage the institution directly rather than constantly going to the press with accusations that may damage the institution’s reputation.
‘‘If there is evidence of wrongdoing, bring it forward and let us discuss it as leaders and stakeholders. Spreading unverified information harms the integrity of the institution,’’ he pointed out.
‘‘Whenever issues have arisen in the past, we have met with community leaders and resolved them peacefully. The NHA remains committed to following legal processes in all property matters,’’ he added.
