Published: February 13, 2026
PAYNESVILLE – Residents of the FDA Community in Montserrado County staged a peaceful protest Tuesday, alleging that property owned by the Forestry Development Authority has become a refuge for suspected criminals and that management has failed to address sanitation and development concerns in the area.
The demonstration, held Feb. 10, 2026, was led by community General Chairman Abraham B. Binda. Protesters briefly mounted a roadblock at the entrance to the community to draw attention to what they described as unresolved security and infrastructure challenges.
Allegations of Criminal Activity
Community members claim that a bushy parcel of FDA-owned land, including an unfinished structure, has become a gathering point for unknown individuals, creating fear among residents living behind the Authority’s perimeter fence.
“Community dwellers living at the back of the FDA fence continue to face challenges with criminal activities involving unknown individuals who take advantage of an unfinished structure left abandoned for a long period,” Binda told journalists.
The residents did not provide specific police reports or documented incidents during the protest but said they have repeatedly raised concerns with FDA management.
Binda said the community previously proposed that the undeveloped space be temporarily converted into a recreational center or market area until the Authority proceeds with permanent development.
“We asked for the alleged criminal hosting site to be developed as a recreational center for young people or a temporary market ground,” he said. “The management refused our request.”
According to Binda, the matter was said to be subject to future board review, but the community says no follow-up action has occurred.
Sanitation and Road Concerns
Residents also raised concerns about waste accumulation near the FDA fence, describing it as a potential health risk.
In a letter dated Feb. 12, 2025, addressed to the FDA Managing Director, community leaders requested collaboration on a sanitation survey to address improper waste disposal and pit latrine concerns. Binda said the communication received no response.
Additionally, Binda alleged that a road pavement initiative reportedly associated with Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph was halted over concerns that construction activities might affect FDA property.
FDA Management Responds
In response, FDA Managing Director Rudolph J. Merab Sr. rejected the allegation that the Authority is harboring criminals.
“That’s an allegation. I’m not the police nor the Minister of Justice,” Merab said during a media engagement at his office. “If they see crime taking place, they have a right to invite the police.”
Merab confirmed that the community requested temporary use of the land for marketing activities but said the Authority declined because the property is reserved for institutional expansion.
“We intend to construct a new building there called the Conservation House,” he said, explaining that the facility is planned to accommodate environmental organizations and support FDA expansion.
On sanitation complaints, Merab denied that the Authority dumps garbage along its fence line.
“We pay for our garbage to be transported to the dump site,” he said. “The dirt there is from the market.”
While acknowledging that waste sometimes accumulates near the property, he said sanitation requires collective responsibility and suggested that erecting a “No Dumping” sign could help address the problem.
Regarding road rehabilitation, Merab said road construction falls under the Ministry of Public Works. However, he noted that FDA had previously collaborated with the ministry by providing logistical support for road improvement efforts after the rainy season.
Call for Dialogue
Merab urged continued engagement between the Authority and residents.
“This country is for all of us. Nobody will fix it except us. We’ve got to work together,” he said.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between institutional land use planning and community expectations for safety and development. As discussions continue, it remains unclear whether law enforcement agencies will independently assess the alleged criminal activity on the property or whether mediation between the community and FDA management will yield a negotiated solution.
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