AFRICA/LIBERIA - “We risk epidemics because the streets are lined with tons of refuse. What are the NGOs and UN in the city doing?” an Italian missionary in Monrovia asks

Monrovia (Fides Service)- “We have peace but the country still lacks essential services. It is enough to take a look at the streets in the capital filled with refuse which no one collects” Father Mauro Armanino, Italian missionary of the Society of African Missions on mission in Monrovia told Fides. “Just under a year ago fighting between Liberian factions stopped but, although 500 million dollars were spent for a programme of disarmament, there are still too many weapons around” Father Mauro told Fides.
“The situation was recently denounced by Global Witness humanitarian association and I can only confirm that, despite all the money invested, the process of disarmament is very slow” the missionary said. “The country is full of thousands of UN troops and workers, numerous NGOs, there is an interim government but no one is able to take the garbage off the streets of Monrovia ” Father Mauro said indignantly. “The road to the cemetery in the city centre is blocked with garbage. If this continues we run the risk of epidemics of disease ”.
“The refuse problem is only the most obvious of many signs of poor administration because none of the public services have been restored. The university was reopened but there are no lessons because it seems the funds for education have disappeared” Father Mauro told Fides. “Those in command are interested in filling only their own pockets to the expense of the people ever more impoverished ” the missionary concluded.
The interim government formed of all the parties involved in the conflict which ended in 2003 has the task of preparing for general elections in 2005, but the path to normality in Liberia is still long. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 7/7/2004 righe 29 parole 355)