Africa-Press – Liberia. A broken-down road construction machine belonging to the Ministry of Public Works has been left abandoned on a main street in Harper City, Maryland County, raising serious concerns over traffic safety and emergency access. The machine, a motor compactor, stalled during a recent community road rehabilitation project and has remained unattended for days.
According to Joe Dixson, Director for Mobile and Equipment at the Ministry of Public Works, the machine broke down following the completion of a 10-kilometer road project jointly initiated by Maryland County’s Senator James P. Biney and District #1 Representative P. Mike Jurry.
Speaking to FrontPage Africa via mobile phone on Thursday, Dixson expressed disappointment over the lack of action to repair or remove the machine.
“The breakdown occurred shortly after the work was done in Harper,” Dixson said. “Since then, we have reached out multiple times to both lawmakers, but only Representative Jurry has responded and promised to follow up. Senator Biney has not returned any calls.”
Efforts have also been made by this publication to contact Senator Biney and his office regarding the matter, but there has been no official response.
Dixson explained that the damaged part needed for repairs is not available in the country and must be ordered from abroad. However, the Ministry cannot proceed without support from the lawmakers responsible for the project.
The situation has grown more alarming as the machine obstructs a key route leading to the JJ Dossen Referral Hospital, one of the main health facilities in the region.
“Ambulances and emergency vehicles are being delayed, which poses a serious threat to patients in need of urgent care,” Dixson emphasized. “This is now a matter of public safety.”
The Ministry had earlier dispatched six machines to Maryland County in February 2025 after a formal request from District #2 Representative Anthony Williams.
According to the Public Works Director Dixon, Representative Williams ensured all equipment was fully repaired before being transported from Monrovia, covered the transportation and fuel costs, and provided daily stipends for Public Works staff during the road rehabilitation in Pleebo District.
That initiative successfully rehabilitated over 34 kilometers of road, easing mobility challenges in the area.
Encouraged by the progress, Representative Jurry later requested that the machines be moved to Harper to rehabilitate 5 kilometers of community roads.
Senator Biney then proposed expanding the project to 10 kilometers, which Jurry supported.
While five of the six machines have since been transported to Grand Kru County for ongoing road work, the broken-down motor compactor remains stranded on a busy street in Harper, creating a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians.
Dixson concluded by appealing to residents for patience and understanding, while urging swift intervention from all responsible officials.
“We regret the inconvenience and potential dangers this situation may cause. But we can’t resolve it alone without the cooperation we were promised.”
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