Liberia: Report on IDP returnee monitoring, Bong County

Together with one LRRRC field monitor an IDP returnee monitoring mission was undertaken on 25 July 2005 to Jorquelleh district in Bong County with the aim of finding out how the returnees are doing since their return from the IDP camps. This is the second monitoring mission in the district. Two communities -- Civil Compound and Gbarmu -- were visited where many IDP returnees were interviewed.
The IDPs interviewed in both communities come from diverse backgrounds. Some of them were originally from other counties, particularly from Lofa but decided to settle in Bong whereas others were originally from the same area they are currently settled. Family situations also differ. Even though all those interviewed have children, some are married whereas others are single. Some of the returnees are living in their own houses whereas others are living in rented houses. One physically challenged young man (vulnerable) was among those interviwed. Despite the diverse background, one theme that runs through our interaction with them is that they are very happy to be home after several years of displacement.

Findings

All the returnees interviewed had returned from camps in Bong County and have been back for a period ranging between four months and one week. All of them have received their return packages in the camps. Those who have been back for more than two months have already received their second trench food at Gbarnga Transit Centre.

The journey back home

All the returnee IDPs reported travelling by commercial vehicles and except for one family who had a car breakdown on the road all the others had a smooth journey from the camps to their homes. None of the families were separated during the journey and no protection issues were reported.

On arrival home

All those interviewed reported being well received by their neighbours already living in the community. Most of them had already made accommodation arrangements (either building their own house or rented a room) before leaving the camp with their families. Their first and subsequent nights were therefore spent in safe and secure accommodation.

Protection issues

No conflicts related to land/property were reported. Most of those living in Gbarmu had returned to the same shelters they were living in before their displacement. According to them, they had to rehabilitate their houses since the roofing sheets and doors were removed during the war. Those at Civil Compound are mainly living in rented houses.

According to the interviewees in both communities, there are no security problems in their areas and they feel safe and secure.

Availability of social amenities

Lack of social amenities was the main concern expressed by all the returnees. Particularly, they reported of lack of safe drinking water, toilet facilities and employment avenues. For example there is no source of safe drinking water for those living in Gbarmu. Their only source of water is locally dug wells which is not safe for drinking. The water situation is slightly better at Civic Compound where there is one hand pump situated at the school compound nearby in addition to a few privately owned wells.

Those living in Civic Community reported being satisfied with educational and health facilities in the community even though they also complained that the public clinic nearby lack the necessary medications and the school lack teachers. They are no schools in Gbarmu and the children have to walk more than 1 hour to attend school at Pheebe. The nearest health facility is also at Pheebe. Even though this has been reported as a major concern, the interviewees also acknowledged this has been the situation even before the war.

Activities currently engaged in

Almost all the returnees reported being engaged in some form of economic activity albeit on very small scale and mostly farming and petty trading. One woman at Civic Compound is engaged in baking and batik making - skills she acquired in the IDP camp. Being on small scale, not much income is derived from these economic activities and the interviewees complained of not earning enough money to cater for their families. They expressed the desire to acquire small scale loans to expand their businesses.

Recommendations/Follow up

- Most of the returnees have taken the initiative to start some economic activity, which is very encouraging. They, however, have limited resources and need assistance to expand in order to be self sufficient. It is therefore recommended that agencies responsible for providing financial assistance look into the possibility of providing assistance in form of small scale loans to the returnees in both Civic Compound and Gbarmu to enable them expand their businesses.

- Humanitarian agencies responsible for provision of WATSAN facilities to look into the possibility of providing such facilities in these communities.

- The physically challenged returnee interviewed need special assistance to be able to cater for himself and his family. He is currently sick and unable to walk properly.

Lily Appoh
Field Officer (IDPs) FO, Gbarnga