Sinoe County- Residents of Sinoe County are raising urgent concerns over the hazardous conditions posed by Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) trucks operating at night with inadequate lighting. These trucks, often equipped with only a single functional bulb, have been linked to numerous fatal accidents, particularly endangering motorcyclists who share the same roads.
Sorana Wesseh, a concerned citizen, expressed her frustration, calling the situation “unacceptable” and describing it as a “death trap” for motorcyclists who cannot see the trucks until it is too late.
Samuel Alfred Ross III echoed these concerns, emphasizing the danger to the community and urging for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
Despite repeated pleas from citizens, GVL’s management has largely ignored the issue, providing insufficient responses.
Instead of addressing the root cause, the company has merely offered token gestures, such as providing rice for wake-keeping and funeral services after accidents occur.
This approach has been met with growing frustration from the community, who are demanding preventive measures to stop these accidents from happening in the first place.
The inadequate lighting on GVL trucks is not a minor oversight but a significant safety hazard. Motorcyclists rely heavily on visual cues to navigate the roads safely.
The single bulb on the trucks, often dim or malfunctioning, fails to provide sufficient visibility, leading to deadly consequences.
The death toll from these accidents is alarming, with each new incident amplifying the community’s fear and frustration.
Mary Johnson, a local shop owner, recounted a tragic accident that claimed the life of her nephew, who was just 22 years old.
He was riding his motorbike home after a late shift when he did not see the poorly lit truck until it was too late. Stories like this underscore the preventable nature of these accidents and the urgent need for proper lighting on GVL trucks.
The community is now calling on the Sinoe Legislative Caucus and local authorities to intervene.
They demand stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and accountability from GVL for their negligence. Senator Jonathan Boye, a member of the Sinoe Legislative Caucus, acknowledged the community’s concerns and promised to address the issue with GVL’s management to find a lasting solution.
GVL’s inadequate response to the community’s concerns has only fueled the anger of grieving families. Community leader Josephine Bondo emphasized the need for preventative measures, stating,
“This is not about compensation after the fact. We need proper lighting on these trucks as a basic safety requirement.”
The urgency for a solution is growing as the death toll rises. The Sinoe Legislative Caucus and local authorities are now under pressure to hold GVL accountable and enforce stringent safety measures.
The community is also organizing efforts to raise awareness about the dangers posed by inadequately lit trucks. Local advocacy groups plan to hold public meetings and use social media to amplify their concerns and push for immediate changes.
Activist Emmanuel Dolo voiced the community’s determination, saying, “We are not going to sit quietly while our loved ones are at risk. We will continue to speak out and demand that GVL takes the necessary steps to ensure their trucks are safe for everyone on the road.”
The situation in Sinoe County is dire, with poorly lit GVL trucks posing a significant threat to road safety. The community’s calls for action are growing louder, and the need for immediate intervention is clear.
The lives of Sinoe residents depend on the swift and decisive actions of their legislative representatives and the compliance of GVL with essential safety regulations. The time for change is now, before more lives are needlessly lost.
By: G. Elijah Grando, Sinoe Correspondent
