-To Upgrade The Township’s Only Public School to Senior High Level
Monrovia – McPherson Daweh, Commissioner of West Point Township, has appealed to stakeholders for urgent intervention to elevate the only public school in the area, the Nathaniel Varney Massaquoi Public School, to a senior high level. This move, he emphasized, is critical to addressing the educational needs of the township’s over 70,000 residents.
Currently, the school only offers elementary and junior high education, leaving students without access to public senior high education within the township. Commissioner Daweh stressed the importance of education, lamenting that previous administrations had failed to prioritize this issue. He expressed optimism that his leadership would succeed in securing the necessary support to expand the school’s offerings.
Sanitation and Infrastructure Challenges
In addition to educational shortcomings, Commissioner Daweh highlighted the township’s severe sanitation and infrastructure challenges. West Point, one of Monrovia’s most densely populated communities, faces a dire sanitation crisis due to limited land space and inadequate public facilities.
“With over 70,000 residents, the township has only about seven public latrines,” Daweh explained. “This means nearly 10,000 people share a single facility, creating a critical public health issue.”
The practice of using garbage to reclaim land has further exacerbated the problem, posing a significant threat to the local marine ecosystem. Daweh warned that such land is unstable and unsuitable for large structures, urging residents to avoid building on these areas.
Land Scarcity Hinders Development
Land scarcity remains a major obstacle to development in West Point. While the land is government-owned, disputes over allocation have stalled progress. Commissioner Daweh revealed that local authorities are engaging in dialogue to resolve these issues without infringing on private properties.
Healthcare Struggles at Sea Clinic
The State of the Sea Clinic, a public-private partnership healthcare facility, is also grappling with significant challenges. The clinic faces shortages of essential medical equipment, including hydro-sign machines and oxygen tanks. Additionally, an ambulance provided to the clinic in 2018 has been out of service for over four years, severely limiting emergency response capabilities.
Daweh disclosed that the township is in discussions with the General Services Agency (GSA) to address these issues and secure the necessary resources to restore the clinic’s functionality.
Commissioner Daweh concluded his remarks by urging residents of West Point to unite and work collaboratively to tackle the township’s pressing challenges. “We must come together as a community to address these issues and create a better future for our children,” he said.
The Commissioner made these statements during an interview in Monrovia on March 13, 2025, emphasizing the need for immediate action and stakeholder support to transform West Point into a more livable and prosperous community.
