By By Aaron B. Nemah;
Harper, Maryland – A broken-down road construction machine belonging to the Ministry of Public Works has been left deserted on the main street of Harper City, Maryland County, raising serious concerns over traffic safety and emergency access.
The abandoned machine, a motor compactor, stalled during a recent community road rehabilitation project and has remained neglected for days.
The Director for Mobile and Equipment at the Ministry of Public Works, Joe Dixson, said the machine broke down following the completion of a 10-kilometer road project jointly initiated by Senator James P. Biney and District #1 Representative P. Mike Jurry of Maryland County.
Director Dixson expressed disappointment over the lack of action to restore or remove the machine.
“The breakdown occurred recently after the work was done in Harper,” Dixson said. “We have reached out multiple times to both lawmakers, but only Representative Jurry has responded and vowed to follow up. Senator Biney has not returned any calls,” Dixson added.
He emphasized that the damaged part needed for repairs is not available in the country and must be ordered from abroad. However, the ministry cannot proceed without support from the lawmakers responsible for the project.
This situation has grown more alarming as the machine blocks a key route leading to the JJ Dossen Referral Hospital, one of the main health facilities in the region.
“Ambulances and emergency vehicles are being delayed, which poses a serious menace to patients in need of urgent care,” Dixson stressed.
The ministry had earlier dispatched six machines to Maryland County in February 2025 after a formal request from District #2 Representative Anthony Williams.
According to Public Works Director Dixson, Representative Williams ensured all equipment was fully repaired before being transported from Monrovia, covered the transportation and fuel costs, and provided daily stipends for Public Works staff during the road rehabilitation in Pleebo District.
That initiative successfully rehabilitated over 34 kilometers of road, easing mobility challenges in the area.
Encouraged by the progress, Representative Jurry later requested that the machines be moved to Harper to rehabilitate 5 kilometers of community roads. Senator Biney then proposed expanding the project to 10 kilometers, which Jurry supported.
While five of the six machines have since been transported to Grand Kru County for ongoing road work, the broken-down motor compactor remains stranded on a busy street in Harper, creating a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, Director Joe Dixson has begun appealing to residents for patience and understanding, while urging swift intervention from all responsible officials.
