The consolidation of state authority in Gbarpolu has been hampered by the lack of administrative capacity and physical infrastructure, absence of personnel from their areas of responsibility, and poor communications infrastructure.

The construction of an Administration Building in Bopolu City will address office accommodation needs for County officials and line ministry representatives, but similar structures are required at district level to address local government needs. Protracted absence of government officials or their lack of willingness to deploy permanently to the County has a detrimental effect on provision of services and implementation of programmes.

The recent completion of a UNMIL Quick Impact Project-funded Courthouse in Bopolu has assisted the Judiciary immensely in restoring rule of law in the County, as it houses both the 16th Circuit Court and the Bopolu District Magistrate’s Court. Magistrates are also present in Gbarma, Weasua and Kumgbor, although they do not have courthouses from which to operate. Unfortunately, Belle, Bokomu and Gou- Nwolala have no magistrates or courts, and access to justice in these areas is immensely difficult.

The lack of a County detention facility has been a severe impediment to the efficient operations of the Judiciary in the County. Suspects are currently remanded in Tubmanburg and Monrovia, and without a Corrections Officer with transportation the Judiciary find it hard to hear and conclude cases expeditiously, further aggravating the citizens’ access to justice and human rights.