MONROVIA — Montserrado County District 8 Rep. Prince A. Toles on Tuesday broke ground for the construction of a modern police station in the Soniewein community, a move aimed at strengthening security and curbing crime and drug-related activities.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held April 22, brought together officials of the Liberia National Police (LNP), local authorities, community leaders, and residents who have long raised concerns over public safety.
“The safety of our citizens matters to us in government,” Toles said during the ceremony, recalling a troubling moment during his campaign when he saw a young boy openly using drugs in the community. “I cried that day. And when I got elected, I made up my mind that I would do something about this.”
The lawmaker said the idea of establishing a permanent police post was the result of consultations with community leadership, including Chairperson Lovina Mercy Krangar. Together, they identified crime and the open sale of drugs as critical issues. Toles said the initiative began after he formally cited the LNP and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to explain the insecurity plaguing the area.
Although the project initially faced legal disputes over land ownership, Toles said support from the Monrovia City Corporation and cooperation with the Liberia Land Authority helped clear the way for construction. “I decided I would use my salary to ensure this police station becomes a reality,” he said, drawing cheers from residents. He also lauded Monrovia City Mayor John Charuk Siafa for committing to cover 20 percent of the project’s cost.
LNP Deputy Director for Administration William K. Mulbah, who represented Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman, described the project as an example of “true representation.”
“This is one pillar of the rule of law in the ARREST Agenda. Security is everybody’s business,” Mulbah said. “We have already deployed some officers in the area, and we will fully support the operations of this station when completed.”
He urged residents to cooperate with incoming officers and the community watch forum to help maintain peace and restore confidence. “You will be free to move around, do your business, and live without fear,” he said.
Community Chairperson Krangar thanked Toles and the LNP for responding to the community’s longstanding plea. “We have the largest and most populated community in District 8, but we had no police station,” she said. “Honorable Toles stood by us every step of the way.”
She acknowledged several challenges during the planning phase, including legal threats over land claims, but commended the lawmaker’s persistence. “Instead of settling for a makeshift station, he said no – we’re building a solid, permanent structure.”
Mayor Siafa praised Toles for taking action beyond the halls of the Legislature. “Representation is not just about sitting in the Capitol. It’s about action on the ground,” he said. “We are proud of the community leadership and we are committed to supporting this initiative through the MCC.”
Construction materials have already arrived at the site, and Toles announced that the project is expected to be completed within four months.
“This district will no longer be the same,” he said. “We’re taking back our communities from drugs and crime — one project at a time.”
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