Meeting and Dedication Projects

President Sirleaf, in Southeast and Central Liberia, Meets Refugees and Dedicates Projects‏
Monday, 18th April 2011

President Sirleaf in a meeting with Ivorian regugees in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh county. Photo Credit: Adama B. Thompson/Executive Mansion
Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf over the weekend visited several districts in Grand Gedeh County that are host to thousands of refugees who fled the political crisis in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire. Accompanied by officials of Liberian and international relief agencies, the President made stops at a Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) Compound in Zwedru, home to refugees who have settled there since 2002.
An Executive Mansion dispatch says the President also visited refugee transit centers in the towns of Zai, Zleh and Toe, a major transit point for refugees fleeing the recent unrest in Côte d’Ivoire. Toe Town is hosting the highest number of refugees in Grand Gedeh, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Interacting with refugees at the transit centers, President Sirleaf expressed regret over the situation which forced them to seek refuge in Liberia. She hoped for a speedy return to normalcy, to enable the Ivoirians to return home.
The Liberian leader assured the refugees, mostly women and children, of government’s protection during their stay in the country. She informed them that the government is working with local and international humanitarian agencies to provide more suitable resettlement centers for them, as well as educational facilities for the children, and appealed for understanding and patience while these efforts are being exerted.The President said the government will provide tools and seeds for the refugees to engage in farming activities, adding: “That is the only way you can sustain yourselves and achieve self-dependency.” The Liberian leader presented the refugees with relief and other basic items, including clothing, a gesture they described as loving and unprecedented.
They lauded the President for the visit and the concern she has demonstrated for their well-being, and hoped that UNHCR will move swiftly in responding to their needs. They complained of inadequate food, accommodation, health and nutritional supplies. More than 22,000 Ivoirians have fled to Grand Gedeh since the political crisis erupted in their country, and the county has hosted nearly 2,500 refugees since 2002.Meanwhile, the President is now in Bong County, dedicating and inspecting development projects in the area. After an overnight stay in Ganta, Nimba County, the President arrived in Gbarnga Saturday afternoon to a rousing welcome by Bong County residents. Following arrival ceremonies, President Sirleaf inspected the future sites of a police barracks and the Gboveh Community College, where construction has commenced. She traveled to Jorquelleh and Kokoyay Districts Sunday and dedicated projects that included two clinics and a public school. More activities continue Monday in Sanoyea Town and Fuamah District, where the President will dedicate the Kelebah clinic and later hold a Town Hall meeting in the area.