By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has ramped up its crackdown on illegal construction in wetlands with a new round of demolitions in Johnsonville and Jacob Town.
Tuesday’s operation, conducted under the authority of Executive Order 143, targeted structures unlawfully erected by Chinese developers who had ignored previous warnings and continued construction under the cover of darkness.
The Presidential Executive Order established a Taskforce Against the Encroachment on Beachfronts and Waterways, comprising key government institutions, including the Ministry of Public Works, the Liberia Land Authority, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and local city corporations.
Speaking to the media at one of the affected sites in Johnsonville, Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed frustration over the blatant disregard for Liberia’s environmental laws.
“When this backfilling started, I personally came here and issued a stop order,” he said. “But the Chinese continued to backfill at night. We are here today to send a strong message: these actions will not go unchecked.”
The site is located near several schools, including the Multee International School System, and residents have reported increased flooding as a result of the disrupted natural landscape.
“This is not just illegal — it’s dangerous,” Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized. “We cannot allow individuals or companies, whether Liberian or foreign, to destroy our wetlands and put entire communities at risk.”
He clarified that land ownership does not entitle anyone to build without an environmental permit — a requirement for all development projects, including excavation and dirt transportation.
“Whether you’re building on dry land or swamp, you need a permit,” he said. “Section 75 of the Environmental Protection and Management Law strictly prohibits draining, blocking, or building in wetlands.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo confirmed that Ruixu Commercial Concrete, the Chinese company responsible for the damage, had never been issued an environmental permit. Consequently, their structures are being demolished in accordance with the law.
He also stressed that the transportation of dirt for development purposes requires two permits: one for the site being excavated and another for the location where the dirt is dumped. He urged the Truck Drivers Union and the Ministry of Transport to strictly enforce these regulations.
“Do not backfill or build in wetlands. Always consult the EPA before altering natural environments, and report any suspicious construction activity near water bodies,” Dr. Yarkpawolo warned. “We are serious. We are not backing down.”
