Published: October 16, 2026
KAKATA, Margibi County — Residents of Kakata and neighboring communities have raised concerns about foul odors they attribute to B&B Rubber Factory’s operations in Morris Farm, Rural Montserrado County, prompting Margibi County authorities to establish a special committee to investigate the complaints.
By Emmanuel Degleh
Residents who voiced their concerns on a local radio talk show said the odor from the recently opened rubber-processing facility was particularly noticeable at night, raising fears about possible health effects, especially on children, pregnant women and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Amadu Sheriff, a resident of Morris Farm, said the odor had become a persistent problem, leaving residents uncertain about how to address their concerns with the company.
Sheriff alleged that his pregnant wife collapsed after inhaling the odor. He also said community members had told him that the company’s management had not adequately addressed concerns raised by local leaders.
Amos Wolah, a resident of Bassa Community in Kakata, also complained about the odor and questioned the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) response to residents’ concerns.
Jusufu Fofana, another Kakata resident, called for an investigation into the factory’s operations, saying the use of chemicals in rubber processing had raised concerns about potential health risks.
“Trust me, that rubber scent is spreading with chemicals. Imagine, it is causing eyes to burn,” Fofana said.
Maybel Plackie said she had inhaled an unfamiliar odor for several days before a neighbor informed her that it was allegedly coming from the rubber-processing facility.
The complaints prompted a meeting organized by Margibi County Superintendent Ojay Morris involving company management and community leaders to discuss the concerns and possible measures to address them.
Although the factory is located in Morris Farm, Rural Montserrado County, residents of Kakata and surrounding communities in Margibi County say they are also affected by the odor.
During the meeting, B&B management said the company had operated for less than two months and was 100% Liberian-owned, with Liberians making up 90% of its workforce.
Management also said the factory uses liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in its rubber-processing operations and is engaging a waste management company to address waste disposal.
However, the company had not publicly acknowledged responsibility for the reported air pollution at the time of the meeting.
EPA County Coordinator Anthony Kollie said the agency had reported the complaint to its headquarters.
In response to the concerns, Margibi County authorities established a special committee chaired by the EPA, with the Ministry of Commerce serving as co-chair.
Other members include the County Health Team, Liberia National Police, Kakata City Corporation, representatives of Morris Farm, community leaders and civil society organizations.
The committee has been given 30 days to inspect the factory’s waste management practices, assess the chemicals used in its operations and submit recommendations to the Office of the County Superintendent.
The investigation is expected to help determine whether the factory’s operations are contributing to the reported odor and identify appropriate measures to address residents’ concerns.
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