Sanitation and Marine Advocates (SAMAR) has lauded the recent ‘Zoning Bill’ submitted by H.E. President Joseph N. Boakai to the Liberian Senate. SAMAR views the submission of the draft new ‘Zoning Bill’ on last Thursday, October 25, 2024, as a significant step towards addressing the unwarranted erection of structures across the country, particularly in waterways.
According to a release issued in Monrovia on October 30, 2024, SAMAR Executive Director, Chester A. Smith, said the new Zoning Bill is a significant move not only to addressing standards and procedures governing infrastructure, but addressing key factors of climate change, including flooding, disease outbreak, and providing breeding ground for the germination of marine species which continue to suffer extinction due to lack of habitat.
“The Executive Committee of the Sanitation and Marine Advocates sees the submission of the new Zoning Bill as a significant milestone to upholding Liberia’s obligations to major international treaties gear towards addressing climate change, safeguarding the environment, biodiversity, including the unprecedented flooding across Liberia in recent years which has the propensity for disease outbreaks due to contamination of water-sources,” the release said.
SAMAR said it is excited over the submission of the new zoning Bill, as it offers the prohibition to the unwarranted destruction of several wetlands which are breeding grounds for marine species which contributes to biodiversity and a wholesome environment for humans.
“The unjustified destruction of wetlands and blocking of waterways continuously lead to changes in water quality, quantity, and flow rates thereby increasing pollutant inputs that may change marine species due to the disturbance and introduction of foreign-born species that are not unique for human consumption.” SAMAR said.
SAMAR is at the same time calling on the Liberian Senate to expeditiously review the new draft ‘Zoning Bill’, given its critical nature that seeks to advert the looming crisis of flooding, disease outbreak, the destruction of marine species, among others which are cardinal to the survival of their respective constituents.
The marine advocacy group said it would shortly begin a series of awareness, joint cleanup activities in partnership with various city authorities, community leaders, and youth groups around the country, to ensure the clearing of garbage in various communities which serves as a breeding ground for disease outbreaks.
“We are concerned particularly about reports of the contamination of water-sources and willful littering of garbage in many parts of our communities. The Sanitation and Marine Advocates several class-action suits against individuals, companies or groups of persons found to be capable of contaminating water-sources and littering of garbage anywhere across Liberia.
