Published: October 29, 2025
MONROVIA — In a bold step toward fixing Monrovia’s mounting waste crisis, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), and key partners on Monday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the Solid Waste Management Transformative Pilot Project (SWMPP) — an initiative aimed at turning waste into opportunity while strengthening institutional coordination and accountability.
Supported by Novasphere and the Government of Canada through the MRV Climate Action Project, the initiative brings together the EPA, MCC, Liberia Marketing Association (LMA), Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), and several community-based enterprises (CBEs). The pilot seeks to enhance how Liberia’s capital city collects, processes, and reuses solid waste — a persistent challenge in the nation’s urban management.
Project Lead Vermon Sangah Lloyd described the MOU as “a turning point for Monrovia’s urban sanitation,” signaling renewed political and community commitment to cleaner, more sustainable waste practices.
“The signing and distribution of this MOU symbolize our collective commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation, defining clear roles and responsibilities, and promoting accountability in delivering solid waste management services,” Lloyd said.
She emphasized that the project would boost efficiency in waste collection and disposal, empower local enterprises, and create jobs — particularly for women and youth.
“This pilot will not only strengthen institutional synergy but also promote inclusive participation by creating jobs and enabling community ownership,” she added.
EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo praised the effort as a milestone in aligning national environmental goals with practical, community-based action.
“Waste management is captured in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); it’s one of the priority areas we’re addressing under the national climate agenda,” he said.
Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted composting — the conversion of organic waste into natural fertilizer — as a key component of Liberia’s emerging circular economy strategy.
“Waste becomes a resource. By collecting food waste and turning it into compost, we produce natural fertilizer that avoids harmful emissions. This initiative contributes to a cleaner environment and supports sustainable agriculture,” he explained.
He thanked the Government of Canada and Novasphere for their support, saying similar pilots will be rolled out beyond Monrovia as part of Liberia’s broader climate resilience plan.
MCC, LMA Applaud Collaboration
Monrovia City Manager Jones Williams lauded the multi-stakeholder partnership, singling out the Liberia Marketing Association for its persistence in ensuring the project’s success.
“The LMA has been very vital. They stood their ground to ensure the project did not fail,” Williams said. “To Ms. Lloyd, who has been determined from day one, we say thank you. This project shows what dedication and partnership can achieve.”
He also urged young Liberians — particularly women — to draw inspiration from Lloyd’s leadership.
“If we want to change this country, we must be focused and determined,” he said.
LMA Vice President Cecelia Weah reaffirmed the association’s commitment, noting that marketers are among the largest generators of urban waste.
“We embraced this project from the start. As marketers, we generate a lot of waste, but now we see that waste can be turned into something useful. We are grateful to the Canadian partners and everyone making this possible,” Weah said.
Speaking for the Community-Based Enterprises, Saah Joe Kendamah described the initiative as “a historic movement” for small waste operators.
“For 17 years, our institutions have not had this kind of opportunity to transform waste into compost,” Kendamah said. “This will not only reduce the volume of waste going to the landfill but also extend its lifespan.”
The pilot currently involves four CBEs, with expansion expected as the model proves effective.
According to Lloyd, the SWMPP aims to create a scalable framework that could serve as a model for sustainable waste management across Liberia.
“Through this project, we expect stronger institutional coordination, increased public awareness, and a replicable model for sustainable waste management nationwide,” she said.
In closing, Lloyd reaffirmed that the project represents more than just another cleanup campaign — it’s a rethinking of Monrovia’s relationship with its environment.
“Together, we are not only improving waste management — we are reshaping how Monrovia views and manages its environment,” she said.
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