FENDELL, Montserrado – Students at the University of Liberia say the recent demolition at the Fendell campus has left them with limited options for food vendors and other services.
The students told The Bush Chicken in separate interviews that because of the demolition, it is more difficult and more expensive to find basic services, as many of the demolished structures catered to students.
During the recently ended semester break, the University of Liberia’s administration ordered the demolition of illegal and unauthorized structures on portions of its 5,000 acres of land. The university has also begun clearing the land and erecting signs warning against trespassing.
UL Vice President for Administration Weade Kobbah Wureh had said the structures were illegally occupying the property of the university.
Wureh said UL and a group claiming the land had been in court over ownership dispute. However, she said “the court ruled in favor of the university,†thereby giving ownership rights to UL.
No immediate plans have been disclosed for the cleared land, but UL authorities have vaguely said they would develop the land to improve learning for students.
Partial view of land space at Fendell following demolition, Photo: Gbatemah Senah
Prince Harmon, a student majoring in social science, said access to cheaper foods and services have drastically reduced since the demolition.
“Before, we had several options to choose between [for] goods and services. Even food was sold [at] different cheaper rates, like as low as L$75 [US$0.83] for a bowl,†he said.
Josephine Hallie, an agriculture student, said the destruction went beyond affecting options for food.
“This is now a real boring place because of the demolition exercise that was carried out,†Hallie said.
According to her, the campus used to be an exciting place for students, with a host of entertainment centers where students had the opportunity to spend their leisure time.
A Scene of the demolition exercise at Fendell, photo by Gbatemah Senah
The President of the University of Liberia Student Union, Daniel Woart, has acknowledged the challenges faced by students.
Woart said while it is true the demolition drove away many private local service providers at Fendell, the union is working with the university and other partners to make the learning environment more convenient and friendly for students and faculty.
He confirmed that there are currently two modern cafeterias in the Chinese and Science buildings being run by private vendors who were vetted by the university to provide the services.
He said the cost for food in the cafeterias is also reasonable. “Food is sold for at least L$150 [US$1.67],†he disclosed.
He said the administration has promised to work with partners to provide more services on campus.
“Even we at the student leadership are working to erect a structure that will host students and provide a space for social interactions,†he said.
While the university’s Capitol Hill campus has a student center, the Fendell campus, which is predominantly occupied by undergraduates, does not have a facility where students can relax, dine, and enjoy other recreational activities in one place.
Featured photo by Gbatemah Senah
