Africa-Press – Liberia. The much-anticipated rehabilitation of the Sanniquellie Airstrip has run into serious obstacles as residents and property owners around the runway are resisting eviction, citing lack of negotiation, compensation, and prior notice.
When the Daily Observer visited the site on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, several residents expressed frustration over what they described as unfair treatment by authorities, including the demolition of homes without proper engagement.
Francis Wonyean, one of the affected property owners, said his land was legally purchased and documented. He argued that any expansion beyond the known boundary of the airstrip should have involved dialogue and relocation assistance.
“I have all my legal documents for the land I occupy,” Wonyean explained. “If the government wants to develop beyond the original boundary, they need to negotiate with us first. I told the caterpillar operator to stop and not to come near my house, and they turned around immediately.”
Pointing to bulldozer marks on his cornerstone and his unfinished home, he added, “We bought this land from Chief Robert Sehneah. It was surveyed and deeded. If the area was truly part of the airfield, why did the government allow surveyors to approve our deeds?”
Another resident, G. Saye Domah, recalled that the area in question was once a rubber farm before the war. According to him, it was later sold by Chief Sehneah with the government’s knowledge, and no objections were raised at the time.
“We’re not against development,” Domah said. “But it has to be done the right way. People should be resettled respectfully if their homes are going to be demolished.”
Doloson P. Newon claimed his house was torn down with little warning from the Sanniquellie City Mayor’s office, despite holding a purchase receipt from Chief Sehneah.
“I was shocked. They gave us a short notice and came with equipment to break down my house without talking to us properly,” he said.
Samson W. Dolo, another resident, echoed similar concerns, stating that the area was long known to be a coffee and rubber plantation, and that authorities had previously assured residents that no extension would occur beyond the old airstrip boundaries.
“If they now want to expand, they must compensate us. That’s only fair,” Dolo said.
Chief Robert Sehneah, when contacted, confirmed selling parcels of land in the area but denied that the land fell within the airstrip’s original boundaries. He said previous feasibility studies discouraged airport expansion due to topographic challenges.
“There’s a mountain on the eastern side that poses a serious danger for plane takeoff. That’s why engineers advised against extending the airfield,” Chief Sehneah said. “The idea of building a mini airport was abandoned, and my family retained 22.5 acres of land untouched. I never told anyone the airstrip would expand beyond its old line.”
The situation has become more complicated as the airstrip is now heavily encroached upon by homes, schools, guest houses, churches, and other facilities. Aviation experts fear that without full clearance, building a modern airfield complete with terminals and safety infrastructure would be impossible.
Despite the controversy, work officially began on June 11, 2025, when Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, in partnership with the Liberia Aviation Authority (LAA), broke ground on the rehabilitation project—seen as vital to reviving domestic air travel in the region.
LAA authorities have since emphasized the importance of community cooperation, warning of potential safety hazards and urging residents to support the initiative.
“We understand the challenges, but this project is crucial for the development of our aviation sector,” said an LAA spokesperson. “The safety of flights and residents alike depends on a clear, unobstructed airstrip. We appeal for understanding and cooperation from the public.”
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