Johnsonville, Liberia – May 20, 2025_The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, led by Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has intensified its fight against illegal construction in wetlands with a fresh round of demolitions in Johnsonville and Jacob Town.

Tuesday’s operation, carried out under the mandate of Executive Order 143, targeted structures unlawfully erected by Chinese developers who were warned but continued work under the cover of darkness. The Presidential Executive Order established a Taskforce Against the Encroachment on Beachfronts and Waterways, made up of 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 most damaged sites in Johnsonville, Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed frustration that despite previous stop orders, developers blatantly violated Liberia’s environmental laws.

“When this backfilling started, I personally came here and instituted a halt order,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. “But the Chinese continued to backfill at night. We’re here today to send a strong message: these actions will not go unchecked.”

The site is near several schools, including the Multee International School System, and residents have reported worsening flooding as a result of the altered landscape.

“This is not just illegal — it’s dangerous,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed. “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 give anyone the right to build without an environmental permit, which is required for any development project, 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, was never issued an environmental permit. As a result, their structures are being demolished in line with the law.

The EPA CEO also called on truck drivers to stop being accomplices in the illegal backfilling of wetlands. Dr. Yarkpawolo said any transportation of dirt for development purposes requires two permits — one for the site being excavated and another for where the dirt is being dumped.
He urged the Truck Drivers Union and the Ministry of Transport to enforce these rules more strictly.

The EPA issued a strong warning to both Liberians and foreigners:

1. Do not backfill or build in wetlands;

Always consult the EPA before altering natural environments;

2. Report any suspicious construction activity near water bodies.

“We are serious. We are not backing down,” Dr. Yarkpawolo added. “Liberia’s environment is not for sale. We are protecting it for our children and their children.”

The EPA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Liberia’s environmental laws and protecting critical ecosystems for the future.

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