Growing concern is mounting in Monrovia and its environs over government’s sincerity to rehabilitate thousands of wayward Liberians commonly called ‘zogoes’ who are sheltering at serious locations in the capital.
A New Dawn’s survey indicates that most of the young people and some adualts are victimized as a result of taking hamful susbtances that cause them to abandon their homes and families to live in the streets.
During a visitation to several parts of Monrovia and its environs, including Center Street, West Point, Sinkor 24 Street, Randell Street Beachside, Logan Town Rice Store, ELWA beach I&II, Paynesville Redlight, Duala and Old Road, among others, there are indications that more and more Liberians are being destroyed by dangerious drugs. These less-fortunate Liberians have become addicted thereby, making it difficult, if not impossible to return to normal life.
The Weah-led government had announced that it was constructing a place along the Monrovia-Bomi Highway to serve as a rehabilitation center for drug addicts, who continue to roam communities and streets at night, attacking peaceful citizens and taking away their personal effects.
Prior to his death, the founder and executive director of a local Liberian NGO, Liberians Against Drugs Abuse Mr. Samuel Gibson disclosed that Liberia has over 10,000 waywards, including males and females. The organization provided counseling services and feeding to them in Logan Town but since his death, the the drug addicts have moved to other locations around the country to reside.
Meahwhile, several less-fortunte Liberians spoken to called on President George M. Weah to prove he is grassrooter by doing something to take them off the streets to rehabilitation homes that enable them to return to normal life again. Last year, President Weah distributed 5,000 Liberian dollars each among zogoes across Monrovia.
By Emmanuel Mondaye--Editing by Jonathan Browne[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]
