By Archie Boan
Monrovia, Liberia – August 28, 2025: Residents of Peace Island Community in Congo Town, District #10, Montserrado County, have placed their community chairman, Mr. Sam Passawe, behind bars for allegedly converting a community-owned public latrine into a school facility without the consent of other local leaders.
According to eyewitnesses, Mr. Passawe was arrested and taken to the Liberia National Police Zone 3 Depot in Congo Town after angry residents accused him of unilaterally striking a deal with a man identified as Mr. Emmanuel Wean.
The latrine in question was constructed by the World Hope Organization to serve hundreds of residents in the Peace Island Community, many of whom depend on it daily for sanitation. However, residents claimed that Chairman Passawe allegedly entered into a private arrangement with Mr. Wean to transform the public facility into a school building.
Community leaders told reporters that no prior consultation or meeting was held regarding the change of use of the structure. “This was a public facility given to us as a community to address our sanitation needs. To see it turned into a school without our approval is a complete disregard of the people,” one resident said.
Reports say tension mounted when the construction work began on the site, prompting residents to intervene. After heated exchanges, the matter was reported to local authorities, leading to the arrest of Chairman Passawe.
The matter remains under police investigation as residents demand transparency and accountability from their leadership.
