By Patrick Teah, Jr.
Three juveniles have been arrested in Barclayville City for allegedly stealing solar street lights, solar panels, and metal poles installed to illuminate the city ahead of Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebrations on July 26.
The suspects, identified by police as Junior Pupoh, Samuel J. Koffa, and Prince Teah, are all residents of Setor Community. They were apprehended by members of the Community Watch Forum following a three-day search launched after several newly installed solar street lights disappeared from different parts of the city.
According to authorities, the juveniles were discovered at a nearby farm in possession of the stolen solar panels and lighting equipment. During interviews with local reporters, the suspects admitted to dismantling the poles and removing the lights.
“We don’t have lights in our homes,” the juveniles said, explaining the reason behind their actions.
The theft has been described by residents as a major setback to ongoing efforts to improve the appearance and security of Barclayville ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations. The solar street lights were intended to brighten major streets, enhance public safety, and welcome visitors expected to participate in the national festivities.
“Over three days the lights got missing, and we asked everyone in the community, but there was no information,” one resident said, expressing disappointment over the incident.
Barclayville City Majoress Comfort Nimely Bloh strongly condemned the alleged vandalism, describing it as an attack on the city’s development.
“While we are fighting to bring development to the city, some disgruntled citizens are depleting that development,” Bloh said. “People complain that Barclayville is not developed, yet some of the same people are contributing to its underdevelopment.”
She further described the destruction of public property as unacceptable and called on parents, community leaders, and youth organizations to play a more active role in mentoring young people and protecting public infrastructure.
Police say the three juveniles will be processed through Liberia’s juvenile justice system and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Authorities are also working with community leaders to recover any remaining stolen materials and strengthen security around government installations to prevent similar incidents.
Despite the setback, city officials say efforts are underway to reinstall the damaged and stolen solar street lights before the Independence Day celebration.
The incident has renewed calls for greater community ownership of public development projects, with residents emphasizing that protecting government-funded infrastructure is a shared responsibility essential to the growth and progress of Barclayville City.
