The Government has taken a firm stance against the persistent encroachment and destruction of protected wetlands across the country, and as such began a massive demolition operation in the Mesurado Wetlands area, especially along Boulevard Road in Paynesville.
The exercise, spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC), the Ministry of Public Works, and the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), follows the recent enforcement of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Executive Order No. 143.
The Executive Order, issued in order to strengthen environmental governance and climate resilience, authorizes government agencies to remove illegal structures and halt unauthorized human activities in ecologically sensitive zones, particularly Ramsar-designated wetlands.
The demolition exercise, in addition to the Executive Order, is being carried out to enforce the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia (EPML). The demolition is being carried out in the following areas: SKD Boulevard, Police Academy, Tyler Island, and Jacob Town.
The EPA had earlier held a press conference on April 8, 2025, to inform the public about the planned demolition. Prior notification was given to all affected persons, and the EPA awareness team engaged with those in violation to communicate the situation.
The EPA advised individuals and businesses with structures in wetlands, waterways, and beachfronts to proactively remove them. Failure to comply may result in the government having to enforce more aggressive demolition measures.
“People who are currently building or dumping dirt in these restricted areas are also warned to stop immediately. The flooding and destruction caused by last year’s rain—due to blocked drainages and illegal buildings—should be a serious lesson to everyone,” the agency said.
However, during the operation on Wednesday, EPA Senior Environmental Inspector Baiyezenah Brown emphasized that the targeted structures were not only illegally erected but were also obstructing key waterways, posing serious risks to public health and environmental safety.
“This is a Ramsar site. These wetlands are crucial to our ecosystem and are protected by both national legislation and international agreements. No one has the right to occupy them illegally,” Brown stated.
Brown noted that the agency had carried out public awareness and community engagement initiatives in advance of the demolition. Occupants were served official notices, with adequate time provided for voluntary compliance. While temporary and makeshift structures were demolished immediately, Brown disclosed that owners of permanent structures will be invited to a formal conference for further discussion and possible legal actions.
Joining the exercise was Edward Horton Lahai, Commissioner of Congo Town Township, who reinforced the need to uphold environmental laws and international commitments. “Liberia is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, and it is our responsibility to ensure these protected wetlands are not destroyed. Executive Order No. 143 gives the EPA and its partners the authority to take decisive steps to save our environment,” he said.
The operation is part of the Boakai administration’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism, with environmental protection forming a key component of national development and climate resilience.
According to EPA authorities, similar enforcement actions are expected to roll out in other parts of the country, targeting illegally occupied wetland zones in line with the Executive Order. The agency has vowed to remain vigilant in protecting Liberia’s rich biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of its natural resources for future generations.
