Gov't Constructs New Prison, Launches First Security Hub

The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Justice has disclosed plans to construct a new prison facility to beef up the capacity of the old and narrow Monrovia Central Prison otherwise known as South Beach.

Speaking yesterday at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Justice Minister Counselor Christiana Tah said the new prison will be constructed in Chessmanburg, Po River on the Bomi-Monrovia highway.

She said because of the continual overcrowding of the Monrovia Central Prison, it was now urgent and imperative to construct a new and modern facility outside the capital, pointing out that the facility has exceeded its carrying capacity. Justice Minister Tah said the prison was built to host not more than 200 inmates at the time, but noted that the prison now holds about 800 inmates far above its capacity, a situation she termed as horrible and is causing series of problems in the cell for inmates.

“This is something that  we have started raising funds for since three years ago, we were just fortunate to receive some commitment from our donor partners toward the construction of the prison”, she said.  
The Minister divulged that the government has already broken ground for the construction of the new prison compound while the land is being vigorously cleared for construction works.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Christina Tah says the government will on Saturday, 28 April launch the first of five Regional Security Hubs in Gbarnga, Bong County. The Hub is intended to supervise security operations in Bong, Nimba and Lofa counties, as well as provide citizens easy access to justice in the areas.

The sprawling complex contains police barracks and dormitories, courts, detention center, among other facilities.
The Minister  asserted that the  construction of the five Regional Security hubs will be completed in three years, stressing that the initiative will strengthen and enhance security and provide easy access to justice.