GBARNGA, Bong County – Environmental expert Lawrence Yallah is warning of a looming flood crisis in Gbarnga, Bong County, and is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take urgent action to prevent large-scale disaster during the height of the rainy season.
Yallah, who holds a master’s degree in Environmental Education and Management from a Canadian university, issued the warning during a recent appearance on a local radio station in Gbarnga. He cited unregulated construction and poor drainage as key drivers of what could become a recurring environmental emergency in the area.
“If sweeping measures are not taken, many parts of Gbarnga will be submerged,” Yallah said. “The lack of a proper drainage system is exposing the city to terrestrial floods.”
Illegal Construction, Sand Mining Blamed
Yallah pointed to the construction of homes and businesses in water pathways as a primary reason for recurrent flooding.
“Because people are building on waterways, there is no exit route for the water when it rains,” he said. “That’s one of the main challenges we’re facing.”
He also blamed the unchecked mining of sand from the banks of the Jor River as a contributing factor, saying the practice is destabilizing the riverbed and increasing the likelihood of overflow during heavy rains.
Yallah called for stricter enforcement of building regulations, removal of illegal structures blocking waterways, and immediate intervention to address the city’s inadequate infrastructure. He particularly cited Frog Island as one of the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
“If we don’t tackle the indiscipline in our building practices and enforce the rules, these tragedies will keep recurring,” he warned.
History of Devastation
Gbarnga residents are no strangers to flood-related destruction. In September 2024, torrential rainfall caused the Jor River to overflow its banks, displacing about 50 residents and damaging properties in communities such as Rubber Factory, Brooklyn, Frog Island, and Sugar Hill.
Experts say similar disasters will continue unless illegal sand mining is brought under control. The practice, however, remains widespread due to economic hardship.
Livelihoods at Risk
For many residents, sand mining is the only source of income.
David Flomo, a 35-year-old father of five, told The Liberian Investigator that despite the risk, he has no other way to support his family.
“This work is hard, but we have no other job,” Flomo said during an interview on Thursday. “If someone gave me money to start a business today, I would stop immediately. But right now, because of the rain, I can’t even mine as I used to.”
Flomo said his ability to pay school fees and put food on the table depends entirely on what he earns from sand mining. He and dozens of others now face uncertainty as the rising river encroaches on their work sites.
Discussion about this post