CESTOS, River Cess – Amid recent reports by the River Cess superintendent that the county is experiencing high numbers of unsolved murder cases – 50 murders in 2016 – police officers in the county face significant hurdles in doing their jobs.

Besides the countless problems River Cess police face, including a small staff, lack of logistical support, and delays in salary payments, the condition of the administrative headquarters of the River Cess division of the Liberia National Police remains a major concern.

The building, which was constructed in Cestos by UNMIL through its Quick Impact Project, has rusty metals and rotting beams hanging on every side. Additionally, the roof on the east side is completely corroded.

From the front porch, one can see the sky through the roof. Nearly all of the ceiling in the conference room has fallen off and there are no seats in the room.

Inside the conference room of the River Cess police headquarters. Photo: Eric Opa Doue

So poor is the condition of the building that officers assigned to the headquarters often spend their days outside the structure.

A police source informed The Bush Chicken that there are plans to move the headquarters to Yarpah Town at the Detail Headquarters if nothing is done to remedy the situation, however, it is not clear whether the Yarpah Town location has the capacity to host the police department.

The building has rusty metals and rotting beams hanging on every side of the building. Photo: Eric Opa Doue

Police officers avoided speaking on the record about the building’s condition. However, county information officer Isaac Williams said the county’s administration was considering rehabilitating the building.

“The issue of the police station is very serious, and we as the government have to do something about it,” Williams said. “Although the issue of the police station was not [resolved] during the county sitting, I think as a government and as people, this has to be our priority.”

Williams further explained that the county administration is willing to renovate the building despite limited resources.

“While it is true that the county does not have the resources, with the ‘green light’ we are receiving from national government– and with the willingness of the county administration– we can do something,” he added.

Featured photo by Eric Opa Doue