By Tokpa Tarnue- tarnue82@gmail.com
VOINJAMA, Liberia- Authorities at the Voinjama central prison in the northwestern Lofa County have named over-crowdedness and limited food supply, as well as the lack of rehabilitation programs as major challenges facing this prison, 394 kilometers from Monrovia.
According to the prison superintendent, Moses Saah, the facility was constructed to host a total of 45 people but it currently has over 80 inmates and convicts at the facility.
The Monrovia Central Prison is currently facing similar problem of over-crowdedness.
Voinjama central prison superintendent said this is the only prison facility currently across the county and as such, there is a need to establish additional prison centers in other districts of the county.
According to Superintendent Saah, supply of food is regular from the government, although there are frequent delays especially during the rainy season when the road gets messy and impassible.
Voinjama Central Prison Superintendent Moses Saah
“Right now, as I speak to you, we have not received our supplies yet. We’re in agreement with one vendor to supply us until our supply can come,” he said.
Prison Superintendent Saah disclosed that the establishment of criminal court E in the county will also ease the tension currently at the prison compound.
According tohim, the establishment will help in decongesting the prison center for the fact that cases will be speedily adjudicated.
The Voinjama central prison superintendent made the statement during a day-long information shearing section organized by the Progressive Youth for Community Safety Initiative, with support from the UNDP.
He also wants citizens not to see the prison facility as a place only for criminals.
Many people in the county say the current situation with the Voinjama Central Prison is alarming and warrants the attention of government and relevant stakeholders, mainly in ensuring adequate food supplies to this prison facility.