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By: Yawah Y. Jaivey & Emmanuel Tophic Degleh
Residents along the riverfront of the Nyarfor River in Margibi County continue to witness the devastating impact of unchecked industrial waste disposal. Local water sources, once clean and teeming with life, have turned into toxic reservoirs. Streams essential for drinking water now carry the deadly burden of hazardous chemicals. The aquatic life that sustained many families has all but disappeared from Nyarfor River.
The health implications of this pollution are profound. Clinics particularly Weala are seeing an alarming rise in patients suffering from illnesses linked to chemical exposure. Skin rashes, chronic respiratory conditions, and gastrointestinal problems are common complaints. Children, with their developing bodies, are especially at risk.
Residents particularly situated along the banks of the Nyarfor River in Margibi County accused the Chinese-owned Lee Group of Enterprises, of polluting their only source of water- the Nyarfor River. Lee Group operates a rubber processing plant in Corneh Farm, Salala District, Bong County,
The residents alleged that the company’s rubber processing plant is discharging chemical waste and human feces from its septic tank into the river. The affected villages along the Nyarfor River include Yarkpasue, Johnny Bah Village, David Town, and Cooper Farm. The four villages have a combined population of more than two thousand inhabitants.
The allegations have sparked outrage among residents of the communities, who are now calling for urgent action to address the reported environmental degradation.
“We used to rely on this river for drinking water, fishing, and farming. Now, it’s a source of illness and despair. The water is no longer safe for drinking. Lee Group must be held accountable for the damage they’ve caused to our water.” said Korpo Mulbah, a resident of Yarkpasue Village.
Madam Mulbah also alleged that the discharge of chemical waste and human feces often leaves villagers without safe drinking water, forcing them to travel long distances into Bong County in search of clean water.
“Sometimes we are forced to drink and cook with the contaminated river water, which often causes diarrhea and skin rashes on our children,” she added.
Mamie Tewaygar, another resident, stated that their efforts to persuade the Chinese Lee Group of Enterprises INC. to install hand pumps in their villages have been ignored since the company began operations more than a decade ago.
“The Lee Group management said they cannot provide us with hand pumps because they are not operating within Margibi County, but they forget that they are polluting our river,” Madam Tewaygar alleged.
For his part, David Mopolu, Town Chief of Nyarforla, is urging local authorities in Margibi County to intervene and conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
He is also calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess the extent of the pollution and its impact on the ecosystem.
Mr. Mopolu stressed the need for the Government of Liberia, through the EPA, to take urgent action to safeguard the river and the lives of the community residents, and to hold the company accountable.
Local health clinics have recorded an increase in waterborne diseases, and villagers have complained of skin rashes and gastrointestinal issues.
Reporters who visited one of the sites saw the discharge of liquid through a tunnel into the river but could not independently confirm all allegations due to the lack of scientific tests of water sources that are said to be polluted.
The reporter however confirmed rashes on underage children and saw a semblance of a chemical spill over the river.
At the same time, residents are considering legal action against the company, with several community leaders already in discussions with lawyers and environmental advocacy organizations.
“We won’t stop until justice is served,” vowed community leader Mamie Vah.
The Nyarfor River, the villagers said, once a lifeline for these villages, has become a source of distress and concern given the reported pollution by the Chinese Lee Group of Companies.
The villagers’ call for action is growing louder, with eyes on the EPA and others to take action.
Attempts to reach the Lee Group of Enterprises for comment were unsuccessful as the company’s administrative manager, Alfreda Gibson, has not responded to inquiries sent via text messages or returned calls made to her.
Meanwhile, a note of inquiry was sent on 28th May 2024 to Joseph Jallah, EPA’s head of the Environmental Social Impact Unit, to ascertain whether Lee Group of Enterprises has permission from the EPA to discharge waste into the Nyanfor River, but this paper has had no response up to the date of this publication.
In the towns and villages, there is fear of a wider pollution crisis resulting from the Nyarfor River mainly for cooking, drinking, and washing.
People are afraid that this could lead to a severe health crisis among residents, with already cases of waterborne diseases that may have long-term health impacts.
If the allegation of water pollution is proven, the river’s ecosystem could suffer extensive damage, leading to the loss of aquatic life and biodiversity.
The economic impact on the local community which could be devastating, as many villagers rely on the river for their livelihoods, including fishing and farming.
Additionally, the reported ongoing pollution by the Chinese Lee Group companies could erode trust in local authorities and lead to increased social unrest and legal challenges.
