MONROVIA: The House of Representatives Leadership has cited several key government officials to address the severe environmental crisis impacting Grand Gedeh and Maryland Counties.
This action follows a formal request from Honorable Jeremiah Garwo Sokan Sr., Representative of District 1, Grand Gedeh County, who sought to assess the status of the ongoing crisis and formulate a response.
The environmental disaster began on June 23, 2024, when a tailings valve at the Ity Gold Mines in Ivory Coast ruptured, releasing 3,000 liters of toxic mud into the Cavalla River.
This circumstance has caused widespread death of fish and significant health issues among local residents, including vomiting and diarrhea.
To address this urgent situation, the House of Representatives Leadership has summoned Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cllr Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., Commissioner, Liberia Maritime Authority and Wilmot Paye, Minister of Mines & Energy for a briefing on Monday August 19, 2024:
The officials are expected to provide a detailed update on the current situation, assessments of the impact, and proposed measures to address and mitigate the crisis.
Representative Sokan’s communication highlights the critical need for a coordinated response to protect public health and the environment.
“This intervention is crucial for addressing the immediate crisis and ensuring that comprehensive measures are put in place to prevent future environmental disasters,” stated Representative Sokan.
The briefing is expected to be a key moment in developing an effective response strategy and enhancing cross-border communication to safeguard affected communities.