Published: July 13, 2024
Monrovia – Responding to growing concerns from members of the Liberian Senate, the Ministry of Public Works has suspended the Road User Permit (RUP-220620-004) granted to Western Cluster Limited (WCL). The suspension, effective immediately, halts the company’s commercial hauling of iron ore along the Freeport of Monrovia-Bomi Hills Road corridor due to significant environmental compliance issues.
Senate’s Criticism of Western Cluster Limited
Members of the Liberian Senate have been vocal in their disapproval of WCL’s operations, describing them as disastrous. They argue that the company’s activities have resulted in the loss of lives, the destruction of public infrastructure, and the exploitation of Liberia’s natural resources for foreign gain.
“The operations of Western Cluster Limited in Liberia have proven beyond all reasonable doubt that the company is incapacitated to fulfill its contractual obligations,” the Senate report stated. Senators have specifically criticized WCL for failing to construct a railway and port in Grand Cape Mount County, which were stipulated in their agreement with the government, instead opting to use public roads for iron ore transportation without the necessary environmental assessments.
Ministry of Public Works’ Statement
In a detailed statement issued on July 12, 2024, the Ministry of Public Works outlined the basis for the suspension. The action was prompted by a communication from the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA), which revealed that WCL’s environmental permit had expired on June 5, 2024. The Ministry emphasized that operating without a valid environmental permit violates both the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia and Section VI (G) of the Road User Permit.
The senate added: “The use of the road corridor without a renewed environmental permit poses severe risks to the health and safety of road users and the environment. As such, this leaves the Ministry with no other option but to again suspend the Road User Permit with immediate effect.”
Environmental Protection Agency’s Findings
Dr. Emmandel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director and CEO of the EPA, confirmed the permit’s expiration in a letter to Roland Layfette Giddings, Minister of Public Works. He highlighted that the permit for WCL’s iron ore exploitation and processing activities had expired over a month ago, which is a direct violation of environmental regulations.
Dr. Yarkpawolo’s letter detailed the conditions of the expired permit: “Western Cluster is required to ensure that all ores are transported at night (11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) and to avoid transporting ore during regular traffic hours. The permit’s expiration and the continued non-compliance with these conditions necessitate immediate action.”
Immediate Suspension Terms
The Ministry’s suspension of the Road User Permit will remain in force until WCL can provide evidence of compliance with Liberia’s environmental laws. The Ministry warned that if these violations are not addressed within 60 days, the permit will be permanently terminated.
In a formal letter to Mr. Joseph Coelho, CEO of Western Cluster Limited, the Ministry stated, “Please be advised to take this notice very seriously and halt all commercial hauling of iron ore on the subject road corridor until further notice. This suspension will remain in full effect until it is demonstrated through documentary evidence that Western Cluster Limited is in compliance with the Environmental and Management Laws of the Republic of Liberia.”
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