Liberian returnees housed at the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) Transit Center in Johnsonville have raised serious concerns about the deplorable living conditions at the facility.
The returnees cite severe overcrowding, inadequate food preparation, and overall poor sanitary conditions, which they claim are endangering their health and wellbeing.
The transit center, which accommodates over 400 individuals, is reportedly struggling to maintain basic sanitary standards.
Returnees have highlighted the absence of proper waste disposal systems and inadequate access to clean water, leading to various health complications.
Many inhabitants expressed their frustrations to reporters, emphasizing the stark contrast between their current living conditions and their previous situations in Gbarnga, Bong County.
A major point of contention is the alleged failure of the LRRRC to disburse the promised resettlement funds.
Returnees were assured a payment of over $300 USD, intended to facilitate their reintegration into Liberian society.
However, many have yet to receive any funds, which they argue is critical to their ability to leave the camp and resettle independently.
“We are struggling to get food here. It’s past 1:00 PM and the food isn’t ready yet; we haven’t eaten anything since morning,” one returnee lamented. The food that is provided is reportedly of poor quality and insufficient quantity, with returnees often receiving only one meal per day.
Health issues are another significant concern. Returnees who fall ill are often taken to a local clinic where they receive only basic treatment, such as painkillers, without proper diagnosis or comprehensive medical care. The lack of adequate healthcare services exacerbates the already dire conditions at the transit center.
During a visit to the facility on Wednesday, our correspondent observed several returnees in distressing conditions, potentially linked to the consumption of harmful substances. These observations raise further concerns about the overall wellbeing of the center’s inhabitants.
In response to these complaints, LRRRC Executive Director Patrick Worzie characterized some of the returnees as illegal occupants.
He noted that many of those currently at the center have identified family members in Monrovia but have refused to reunite with them, choosing instead to remain at the facility.
“Some people already know where their families are but refuse to reunite with them,” Worzie stated. “They can’t stay in the camp while we use government funds to provide for them when they are supposed to be with their families.”
Despite these assertions, Worzie announced that LRRRC would begin the first 50% disbursement of the resettlement funds.
He clarified that only those returnees who agree to leave the camp and reunite with their families would receive the payments. The distribution, facilitated through Orange Money, is scheduled to start on Thursday.
Returnees eligible for the resettlement package are expected to receive food and non-food items, including rice, oil, and blankets, alongside a financial package amounting to $525 USD. Family heads will receive $300 USD, while dependents will be given $225 USD.
By: Caroline Gensee/ Contributor
