UN improves water and sanitation conditions inside Liberia's central prison

In a move that will help stem the spread of disease inside Liberia's detention facilities, the United Nations Mission in the country (UNMIL), working with international and local partners, has renovated the water and sanitation systems used by the central prison in Monrovia.

At an event held on Saturday to mark the completion of the initiative, known as a “quick impact project,” UNMIL Corrections Adviser Stephen Johnston thanked those who helped realize the success, especially the Prison Fellowship International of Liberia, for their commitment to improve prison conditions.

“This is a tremendous step forward for the prisons of Liberia,” Mr. Johnston said. “Achievements made in the prison system are hardly ever reported, and this effort is a testament of the hard work of everyone involved.”

Thanks to the project, cell blocks have running water for the first time in more than 10 years. Over 320 prisoners – both male and female – at the Monrovia Central Prison will benefit from the renovation.