By: Gareyson Yaba Neufville
The worsening condition of the Liberia National Police (LNP) barracks in Harper City is raising serious concerns among residents and local authorities, as police officers assigned at the facility continue to live and work in what many describe as unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
A recent observation by Verity News revealed that major portions of the barracks are badly damaged and in urgent need of repair. One side of the building has visible cracks and broken walls, while sections of the roof are leaking and partly destroyed, exposing officers and their belongings to rain and harsh weather conditions. The facility is also reportedly lacking adequate bathroom and sanitation services, making daily living difficult for officers and their families.
The police barracks were constructed in 2010 through support from the German Government and later turned over to the Liberia National Police. At the time, reports estimated the cost of the project at approximately US$69,000. However, more than a decade after its construction, the structure has fallen into serious disrepair, sparking questions about the maintenance and sustainability of public infrastructure in the county.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, sources within the Liberia National Police confirmed that the police administration is aware of the condition of the facility and said an assessment of police infrastructures across the country is currently underway.
“There is a current assessment ongoing across the country by our Facility Management Team,” an LNP source disclosed, while also pointing to inadequate funding as one of the major challenges affecting the institution and several public agencies.
Meanwhile, Maryland County Superintendent Henry Cole, speaking on a local radio station in Pleebo, noted that recent increases in the county’s budget could help address pressing infrastructure challenges in the county.
“Before, Maryland County had only US$186,000 in the national budget. But now, the government has increased the money. So, the county now will start to look at these critical things,” Superintendent Cole stated.
Although no direct commitment has yet been announced regarding the renovation of the Harper police barracks, residents say the situation requires urgent government intervention. Many believe police officers who risk their lives to protect citizens deserve safe and decent living conditions.
Residents are now calling on the national government, county authorities, and international partners to prioritize the rehabilitation of the facility before conditions worsen further.
