The NEWS (Monrovia)
Alloycious David
30 June 2008
Monrovia — Individuals believed to be squatters have vandalized the unfinished Health Ministry Complex in Congo Town.
Two annexes, including a residential building for contractors and a clinic in the Health Ministry Complex were unroofed.
It was also observed that the interior of the main complex was massively looted. Planks and ceilings were removed and taken away.
A woman squatter claimed that one of the annexes (residential building) did not belong to the government.
She argued that the building was erected by an NGO for internally displaced children through their (squatters') intervention.
"The government has asked us to leave and so it was our right to leave with our property", the woman said.
Another squatter also alleged that it was members of the community who were looting the ceiling of the building because according to her it was made of aluminum.
Congo Town Commissioner Mac John Russell confirmed the looting of the complex. He described the act as "criminal and wicked."
Commissioner Russell disclosed that through his intervention, the situation was brought under control.
He disclosed that the police apprehended some individuals linked to the looting.
Meanwhile, squatters who had vacated the unfinished Health Ministry Complex have begun returning to the building.
The government recently told squatters in public buildings to move or be removed by June 28.
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