The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has alarmed on activities of illicit and unregulated black sand mining.
EPA Acting Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo said illicit and unregulated sand mining is causing degradation to the environment.
Speaking Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Ministry of Information press briefing in Monrovia, Dr. Yarkpawolo disclosed that black sand mining is currently ongoing in Royesville, Montserrado County, Marshall Wetlands, Margibi County, Rivercess County and other parts of the country.
Yarkpawolo has called on those engaged in illegal sand mining activities to desist as it poses serious environmental risks to the nation.
The Acting EPA boss revealed that the Cabinet has placed a ban on black sand mining considering the alarming rate of destruction and degradation on the environment.
He said EPA will conduct additional research on black sand, which will lead to the formulation of policies, guidelines and regulation to ensure a sustainable harvesting of the black sand.
Yarkpawolo said upon the completion of these documentations, the moratorium will be lifted.
In the ongoing Kpatawee Waterfalls saga where citizens of Kpatawee Clan blocked the main entry to the waterfalls, he commended the Liberia National Police’s intervention that successfully brought the situation under control without property damage and loss of lives.
“We want to inform the public that wetlands or swamps belong to the Government of Liberia and it is not for private individuals or private companies,” he said.
Meanwhile, Acting Executive Director has revealed that a team of environmental engineers have condemned the structure of the EPA Central Office on 4th Street, Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor. Presently, the EPA is in search of a new office complex to relocate.
Yarkpawolo indicated that as part of the government’s 100-day deliverables, the EPA has established county offices in Rivercess, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount and Montserrado.
