Published: May 21, 2025
MONROVIA — The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal construction in wetlands, demolishing structures in Johnsonville and Jacob Town—targeting local and foreign developers, including a Chinese company accused of violating environmental laws.
EPA Executive Director Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo led the demolition operation and directly accused Ruixu Commercial Concrete, a Chinese-owned company, of illegally backfilling a protected wetland area in Johnsonville despite being ordered to halt construction.
“When this backfilling started, I personally visited the site and issued a stop order,” Yarkpawolo told reporters. “But the developers ignored it and continued their work at night. What we’re seeing here is a blatant violation of Liberia’s environmental laws.”
The affected site, located near several schools including Multee International School System, has become increasingly prone to flooding during the rainy season. The EPA says the unregulated development has disrupted the area’s natural drainage and exacerbated seasonal water surges.
The EPA cited Section 75 of the Environmental Protection and Management Law, which prohibits any form of drainage, blocking, backfilling, or construction in wetlands without prior authorization. Yarkpawolo stressed that land ownership does not excuse developers from complying with environmental laws.
“Whether it’s dry land or wetlands, developers must obtain an environmental permit before starting construction,” he said.
The agency also issued a warning to truck drivers involved in the illegal dumping of dirt on wetland sites. Yarkpawolo noted that drivers are required to hold two EPA permits—one for excavating and another for dumping. He called on the Truck Drivers Union and the Ministry of Transport to help enforce compliance.
“No truck driver should be transporting dirt for dumping without asking for EPA permits,” he said.
The demolition in Jacob Town drew mixed reactions from residents. Dexter Kennedy, chairman of the Lonestar Community, welcomed the EPA’s enforcement but urged the agency to ensure proper cleanup and restoration after demolitions.
“We appreciate the EPA for enforcing the law,” Kennedy said. “But we also want to encourage them not to just demolish and leave the place like that. The area needs proper restoration to avoid becoming an abandoned mess.”
The EPA’s enforcement action follows similar demolitions carried out weeks earlier along SKD Boulevard and Police Academy Road, signaling a broader campaign to reclaim illegally developed wetlands across Monrovia and surrounding areas.
Yarkpawolo concluded by reaffirming the EPA’s commitment to protecting Liberia’s fragile ecosystems and holding violators accountable.
“We are here to send a strong message,” he said. “These kinds of behaviors—local or foreign—will not go unchecked.”
The EPA called on all residents and developers, both Liberian and foreign, to:
– Refrain from backfilling or building in wetlands;
– Seek EPA guidance before altering any natural water body;
– Support national efforts to protect Liberia’s vulnerable ecosystems.
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