Heavy Storm Leaves Several Citizens Homeless By: Yassah J Wright

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The Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) is almost lying in ruin following the destruction of several infrastructures on the compound of the institution as a result of a devastating storm that has also left several destructive marks on the lives of citizens of Bong County. The heavy storm on Friday according to the institution’s Director General Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah has destroyed about twenty-five houses, leaving more than ninety-five research scientists and their family members homeless. The heavy storm took off the roof of the biotech building, a building hosting essential laboratory equipment that are used for scientific research works. Our reporter who visited the scene narrated that he saw staff members of the institute taking away their properties from the debris of devastated housing facilities with several of their belongings destroyed. Even thou there is no report of casualties, many of the staff affected by the disaster are without shelters to host them and their families. In an interview with CARI Director General Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, he expressed grieve over the massive destruction of the institution’s properties by the storm, describing it as a major setback for research works for the nation’s agriculture sector. Dr. Karnuah lamented that the current situation might force the institution into temporary closure because most of the senior research scientists who should be actively working are now trying to find place for their families to resettle. He however explained that the temporary closure will be carefully studied on grounds that there are essential research materials in the field that need attention. Dr. Karnuah explained that this is the first time that the institution has been hit extremely hard by natural disaster. The CARI Director General has launched a major appeal to national and international partners as well as the government of Liberia to quickly make interventions by assisting CARI recover from the setback. Dr. Karnuah in a sad mood said if nothing is done to assist the institution; it will not be able to recover from the destruction even in the next five years due to the enormous financial difficulties it is currently experiencing. Recently CARI has recorded tremendous progress since Dr. Karnuah’s ascendancy as Director General, with research activities that have been dead for many years now being resuscitated.  He continues to receive commendations for putting workers back to work by ensuring they go to work in time and do not abandon jobs as was seen in recent years.  Dr. Karnuah is also being commended for building strong internal control system at the institution to strengthen administration for proper supervision that will lead to enhanced research. If care not taken, the current storm disaster might undermine the enormous achievements that have been made so far. With agriculture being an extremely essential component of President Joseph Boaka’s AREST agenda many are calling on him and Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah to quickly step into the current situation at CARI to avoid further break down in the effort being made to improve the institution.

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