By Bridgett Milton
Riot Police have arrested more than 10 protesters, including three females during an early morning protest by residents of Montserrado County Electoral District#17 in demand of electricity.
Protesting residents gathered early Monday, February 13, at St. Paul Bridge on
Bushrod Island in a peaceful assembly, calling on government to speedily provide electricity to their community.
Upon arrival on the bridge at about 5:30 am, the protesters met hugely armed riot Police that had positioned to prevent them from exercising their constitutional rights.
Police chased the protesters to nearby bushes, leaving many with bruises.
The Police action led protesters to become agitated, erecting roadblocks at major points of the road, creating traffic congestion.
Speaking to this paper, the aggrieved residents lament that for too long they have been forgotten by the government in providing them electricity, though District#17 leads to the main Mount Coffee Hydro Plant that distributes power across Montserrado and to other parts of the country.
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They note that the lack of electricity in the district has resulted in several unwholesome activities, including ritualistic killings and armed robbery, among other crimes.
At the same time, they accuse Brewerville City Mayor, Bedell Fahn, of undermining their struggle by instructing the Police to brutalize them.
But when contacted, Mayor Fahn denied the allegation and instead, reveals that modalities have been worked out by requisite authorities to ensure the district is electrified.
He says those responsible for electricity in the district have informed him the delay has been funding challenge but now they have funds and work will start by March and hopefully by the end of the year, district#17 will be electrified.
Mayor Fahn appeals to aggrieved residents to remain calm and desist from violence that has the propensity to undermine the peace of the country.
For decades, residents of electoral district#17 have been without affordable and stable electricity relying on private distribution that is costly, while surrounding areas such as Vincent town (Bomi County), Hotel Africa Road and Banjor community are fully electrified. Editing by Jonathan Browne
