Freetown — Efforts by the governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia, the UNHCR and LRRRC towards the integration of former Sierra Leonean refugees who opted for a second home in Liberia have been dealt a serious blow by enemies of development.

Reports received by the Sierra Leone Embassy information unit early this week indicated that unknown persons entered into the newly constructed houses meant for former Sierra Leonean refugees in Sinje and made away with assorted valuable items that were already installed in the buildings.

The Sierra Leone Embassy, however, promptly contacted the UNHCR country representative in Liberia, Ibrahima Coly and his information and communication desk officials who confirmed the act, but said they were working on strategies as to how the stolen items could be replaced soonest.

Mr. Coly also disclosed his earlier intention of integrating the remaining caseloads to the said looted site on completion. He maintained that despite the setback, his intention still stands and that this would be carried out soon.

In a telephone conversation with the LRRRC field officer, Momodu Freeman, he confirmed the theft but however failed to give cost of the damage. According to Freeman, only three houses were looted and vandalized and that they were already doing replacement on the damaged buildings. No arrest has been made so far.

It could be recalled that Sierra Leone Embassy officials led by Ambassador Rev. Mrs. Marie Jilo Barnett took part in last month's integration exercise of former Sierra Leonean refugees into another community from Samukai Town in Monrovia. Over 900 Sierra Leoneans residing in Liberia are now proud owners of Sierra Leonean passports which were issued free of cost.

The issuance of such passports was an outcome and follow-up after series of meetings between the above partners and agreement between governments of Sierra Leone and Liberian.