1He revealed that nearly all streams, creeks, and rivers in Sinoe’s three electoral districts have been polluted, while large-scale land degradation threatens the county’s forest land and biodiversity.
Monrovia — Senator Crayton O. Duncan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Autonomous Agencies and Commissions, has expressed concerns about the growing illicit mining activities in Sinoe County, which he claims are endangering the lives of local residents.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
Duncan, who represents Sinoe County in the 55th National Legislature, highlighted that illegal mining, mostly by foreign miners, has led to the pollution of streams and other water sources vital for drinking and cooking in the area.
In a communication to the Senate Plenary on Thursday, February 20, Duncan warned that waste from mining sites is contaminating water sources, posing serious health risks to local citizens.
He revealed that nearly all streams, creeks, and rivers in Sinoe’s three electoral districts have been polluted, while large-scale land degradation threatens the county’s forest land and biodiversity.
Duncan, who visited all three electoral districts in Sinoe, witnessed the severe impact of illicit mining firsthand. He stressed that the situation is worsening and is detrimental to both the environment and the people of Sinoe.
To address the issue, Senator Duncan called for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to appear before the Senate to discuss its role in regulating and managing the unregulated mining activities. He also pointed to the influx of miners holding B and C class mining licenses in the county as a contributing factor.
Duncan urged the Senate to take immediate action to protect the health and safety of Liberians, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations to prevent further pollution of water sources.
The communication has been forwarded to the Senate Committees on Lands, Mines and Energy, Hydro Carbon and Environment, and Internal Affairs to invite relevant government authorities to respond to the claims. Additionally, a motion for a probe was filed by Senator Numene Bartekwa of Grand Kru County.
