IDPs must leave public buildings or be removed

The Liberian government has issued a stern warning to all occupants of public buildings to vacate within three weeks or stand the risk of being removed. Addressing a news conference Wednesday in Monrovia, Information Minister Dr Laurence K Bropleh gave the occupants living in unfinished Ministry of National Defense building and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare building, both in Congo Town, as well as National Housing Authority on Ashmun Street and the True Whig Party's Roye Building up to June 27, 2008 to vacate. He said there would be no grace period for those who will not abide by the ultimatum, as government wants occupants to begin relocating themselves as soon as possible. He noted that the government has decided to take such action because many activities in those public buildings were of criminal nature. Additionally, the Information Minister disclosed that there are allocations for the renovation of public buildings, and as such, it is necessary for occupants to begin relocating to avoid forceful eviction. "We have ordered that every activity in those buildings especially the unfinished NHA building must cease with immediate effect,"Dr.Bropleh warned. The Chief spokesman of government indicated that everything has been put in place to ensure that a 24-hour security is provided to avoid trespassing. The government's decision to clear public buildings comes in the wake of a recent fire incident at the unfinished National Housing Authority Building which left the basement of the building burnt down, and thousands of dollars worth of properties destroyed. allafrica.com
There are still thousands and thousands of Internally Displaced People living in these buildings. Its a shame to throw them out just as the rainy season is starting, when the buildings will no doubt remain empty for many months to follow. Photo of IDPs living in the new Ministry of Health and Social Welfare building in Congo Town, which Sally used to jog past in the early morning when we lived down the road. She said that every morning dozens of men would stand on the edge of the balconies and urinate over the edge, in full view of passers-by. Huh. Olly