With recent calls from the Government of Liberia occupants in the new Health Ministry in Congo Town to vacate, occupants say they would appreciate assistance before they must leave.

“They said we should leave, but they didn’t have [anything] to give to us,” explained George Bull, a resident for nine years who moved out earlier this month after they were visited by government officials. “But,” he continued, “we are appealing to [government] that they should be able to help us with little tokens to help us establish ourselves.”

Residents said help with money or other assistance to relocate would be greatly appreciated.

Some occupants said people have been in the building almost ten years and have been told on numerous occasions government officials have told them that they have to leave the building.

Atlanta Kettor, the spokesperson for the occupants, explained that they realize that they do not have a right to be in the unfinished building, but live there because poverty left them without other options. They are currently appealing to the government to help them reestablish their lives.

Kettor explained that the Liberian Civil War brought most of the people to live in the unfinished ministry. He added that since the war ended, many politicians, including then presidential hopeful, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, have come and given promises of support and assistance.

“This is my home, since the war we have been waiting to get reestablished, but how can we? We have been waiting for a genuine government to help and enable us to resettle. Many candidates came during elections but since then, nothing,” said Mr. Kettor.

Kettor stated that they are all awaiting for President Johnson-Sirleaf “not [to] do all,” but to help start the residents off in a new location.

Mr. Kettor said that presently, some six hundred people live in the abandoned building. They are aware that they do not have a legal right to live at ‘The Titanic,’ are willing to relocate, even if the government is not in the position to give them anything.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the National Commission for Demobilization, Disarmament, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (NCDDRR), Reverend Jarvis Witherspoon said he has been selected by the Vice President of Liberia to negotiate for the relocation of occupants of the unfinished Ministry of Health.

Rev. Witherspoon said the occupants would have two months more to vacate the building because the Chinese Embassy in Liberia is making plans to complete construction.

He said that the removal of the occupants would be a smooth transition.

Exactly how the government would relocate the occupants has not yet been decided by Witherspoon or other relevant members of government. However, Witherspoon gave surety that they would not be forced out without some form of assistance, because government is aware that the occupants have nowhere to go.

Rev. Witherspoon then called on the occupants to cooperate with the government to conclude everything in one month time, to enable the Chinese experts to complete the building.