Africa-Press – Liberia. Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has strengthened his commitment to tackling drug and substance abuse in Liberia with the dedication and furnishing of a new annex at his rehabilitation center in Paynesville, promising to sustain the facility and expand similar programs across the nation.
The newly extended Center for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, which Senator Dillon established in 2021, is designed to respond to the increasing number of citizens, particularly youth, struggling with substance abuse. The addition of the annex will increase the center’s capacity and provide improved conditions for individuals undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, allowing more Liberians from across the country to access critical services.
Senator Dillon explained that the creation of the center was driven by the rising rates of drug abuse and the lack of adequate rehabilitation facilities in Liberia. Since its establishment, the center has treated numerous individuals from Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, and other counties, many of whom have successfully reintegrated into society after completing their rehabilitation programs.
Speaking with reporters after the dedication ceremony, Dillon emphasized his ongoing commitment to the center’s operations and his efforts to mobilize additional support to enhance its long-term sustainability. He noted that while the facility is based in Montserrado County, its services are intended for all Liberians, providing hope and a second chance for people whose lives have been disrupted by addiction.
The senator acknowledged that operating the center presents significant challenges, including managing violent behavior among residents and addressing the frequent relapses that some individuals experience. These challenges sometimes result in damage to the facility, requiring ongoing repairs and renovations, which place a strain on the center’s resources.
Despite these obstacles, Dillon outlined plans to expand rehabilitation services beyond Montserrado County. He revealed that Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence has contributed ten thousand United States dollars and provided a facility in Grand Bassa County to establish an additional rehabilitation center. The board of the center has already dispatched contractors to assess the facility as preparations move forward.
In addition to expansion efforts, Dillon announced plans to introduce legislation in the National Legislature aimed at ensuring rehabilitation centers are established in all fifteen political subdivisions of Liberia. He said this initiative would secure government attention and support for substance abuse treatment and reintegration programs nationwide, ensuring broader access for citizens in need.
Looking ahead, Senator Dillon expressed optimism about the progress at his Paynesville center and anticipated the graduation of a group of female participants early next year. He noted that he intends to invite President Joseph Boakai, senior government officials including the Ministers of Health and Youth and Sports, the First Lady of Liberia, and leaders of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to witness the program’s outcomes.
According to Senator Dillon, the success of the center demonstrates that effective treatment and reintegration programs are feasible in Liberia and could serve as a model for replication nationwide. He stressed that while the government does not need to take over the facility, it could study its operations and use it as a pilot program to establish similar centers across the country.
The senator also commended the government’s recent efforts to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse, noting that fewer individuals are seen using drugs openly on the streets and that access to illicit substances has become more difficult and costly. He attributed these improvements to enhanced government support for the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, including increased logistical support and budgetary allocations.
Senator Dillon highlighted that the LDEA’s budget has grown from approximately two million United States dollars in previous years to over seven million dollars in the proposed 2026 national budget. He explained that the additional funding would support the training of more officers, the acquisition of advanced equipment, and improved collaboration with domestic and international partners to combat drug trafficking across borders.
While welcoming these developments, Senator Dillon urged the government to continue intensifying efforts to address drug and substance abuse, emphasizing that sustained action is critical to protecting Liberia’s youth and ensuring the country’s future. He said the fight against illicit drugs must remain a national priority and highlighted the role of rehabilitation centers in providing hope, restoring lives, and supporting national development.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
