Zwedru Corrections Palace Director Wants MOJ Erect Outer Fence At Facility

By Paul Rancy, LINA Grand Gedeh County Correspondent

The Prison Director at the Zwedru Correction Palace, Chrispin Doe has emphasized the need for the Government of Liberia to reconstruct the outer fence of the facility that fell as a result of torrential rains. 

Making the disclosure to the Liberia News Agency (LINA) on September 4, 2024, at the facility, the Prison Director Chrispin Doe asserted that the current condition of the outer fence of the Country’s maximum prison poses major security threats to the county.

Chrispin mentioned that not much has been done by the government through the Ministry of Justice to reconstruct the damaged fence.

It can be recalled that the outer fence of the National Palace of Corrections in Grand Gedeh County collapsed in June 2024 due to flash floods caused by heavy downpour of rain.

According to him, the Government was informed immediately about the situation, adding that he was instructed to identify potential contractors to present a bill of quantity for the subsequent construction of the outer fence of the facility.

Director Doe narrated that he engaged a certified contractor, and a bill of quantity was presented but up to this point, no action has been taken to address the construction of the fence by the government. 

Meanwhile, Doe disclosed that the authority at the facility has erected a temporary fence using sheets of zinc, which according to him is not a guaranteed solution. 

Doe indicated that the current condition of the facility has impeded the movement of inmates at the facility, citing that it is unlawful to keep the inmates indoors permanently without having their sun bath, do some gardening tasks, amongst others.

“This is a serious threat to the prison where hard core criminals are imprisoned. These issues coupled with lack of electricity at the facilities, lack of mobility, pose potential threats to the facility,” the Zwedru Correction Palace Director noted.

Therefore, Doe called on the local and central government to speedily intervene to avoid future unbearable situations at the facility.

However, Doe allied the fear of jail outbreak, citing that no form of escape has occurred since the fence collapsed, something he attributed to the professional practice by authorities at the prison.