By: Frank P. Martin
SUAKOKO, BONG COUNTY: Living conditions of some Liberians repatriated from Ghana remain hash as over a hundred women and children are now living in a single tank at the temporary sites in CARI Regional Village, located in Suakoko, Bong County.
Recently, the Government of Liberia prepared the CARI Regional Village for over 700 returnees from Ghana.
Seven tanks at the site were renovated to be used for the returnees, according to Patrick Worzie, LRRRC Executive Director.
However, over the weekend, video footage showed Representative Marrie Johnson, Chair on Repatriation of the House of Representatives, LRRRC Executive Director, Mr. Patrick Worzie, and Youth and Sports Minister, Min. Jero Cole Bangalu, toured the facilities that are currently under construction to accommodate the Liberian returnees.
Unfortunately, there are six tents completed and more than 100 returnees were seen living in each of the completed tank (room).
LRRRC Boss Patrick Worzie assured the returnees that the Liberian Government is committed to relocating them soon, expressing gratitude for their return after many years in Ghana.
“We have a vision to reintegrate your skills into our national development plans”, Youth and Sports Minister, Cllr. Cole Bangalu he stated.
Minister Bangalu stressed those with specialized skills would be given placements to contribute to Liberia’s growth.
Meanwhile, Representative Johnson stressed the pressing issue of rehabilitating drug users among the returnees.
“We recognize the challenges faced by some of you, and we are working on establishing comprehensive rehabilitation programs”, she said.
Rep. Johnson further revealed ongoing discussions to create repatriation plans for other Liberian refugees abroad who wish to return home.
In reaction, the Liberians returnees expressed the need for local and international interventions to aid them with clothing, proper relocation, food, Mosquito nets, among other essential materials for survival and prevention from diseases.
On Friday, May 24th, the first batch of Liberian refugees arrived in the country via the Loguatuo border.
The refugees, who arrived in 20 buses accompanied by cargo vehicles with their personal belongings, were part of the group whose structures were recently demolished by traditional rulers at Gomoa Buduburam Camp in Ghana.
This group forms part of a total of 4,300 Liberian refugees scheduled to return home between May and June this year. The repatriation is part of the LRRRC’s plans to bring Liberians back from the camp.
