Published: October 14, 2024
MONROVIA — Monrovia is facing a severe waste management crisis that poses threats to public health, the environment, and the quality of life in the city, according to a statement from the Environmental and Educational Center for the Advancement of Farmers (EECAF).
The situation has reached alarming levels, according to EECAF, due to improper waste disposal, inadequate collection systems, and uncontrolled dumping throughout the city. These conditions have created breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes, rodents, and flies, exacerbating public health risks. Furthermore, the accumulation of solid waste is polluting waterways, increasing the risks of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery.
EECAF’s Executive Director, Mr. Matthew Sieh Wisseh, highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action involving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local government authorities, private sector partners, and communities. He emphasized the development of a comprehensive waste management system that prioritizes waste reduction, segregation, recycling, and proper disposal methods.
Mr. Wisseh called for public education campaigns to promote responsible waste disposal practices among residents and businesses. He also stressed the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with waste management laws and regulations and to prevent illegal dumping.
Investment in modern waste management infrastructure, including waste collection, sorting facilities, and sanitary landfills, is necessary for creating a cleaner and healthier Monrovia, Wisseh stated.
“This is a call to action: We must act now to prevent further environmental degradation and protect the health of our citizens,” Mr. Wisseh declared, reminding everyone that “climate change is real, and together, let’s take action.”
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