(Monrovia-Liberia, February 21, 2025)-The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia has fined Sethi Ferro Fabrik five thousand United States dollars ($5,000) and ordered the company to meet strict safety requirements before reopening its oxygen plant. The fine follows an explosion at the factory’s oxygen plant on February 17, 2025, which resulted in the tragic death of Mr Saah J Samukai an employee of the company

EPA Executive Director Dr Emmanuel K Urey Yarkpawolo made the disclosure during a press conference on Friday, February 21, 2025.

He said, the EPA immediately shut down the factory after the explosion and launched an investigation On February 18, 2025, a high-level delegation led by Deputy Executive Director Hon Dweh S Boley visited the site for a preliminary assessment Their initial report pointed to serious safety violations prompting the EPA to issue a halt order on February 19, 2025, stopping all operations

On February 20, 2025, Dr. Yarkpawolo along with senior government officials including the Inspector General of Police and the Liberia National Fire Service Chief toured the plant They were received by the Executive Officer of Sethi Group of Companies

The EPA Executive Director stressed that full investigation found major safety lapses including no fire safety measures no emergency preparedness plans improper storage of oxygen tanks expired environmental permits and the use of rusted and corroded compressed gas cylinders

“As a result, the EPA has ordered the company to renew all expired permits implement fire safety measures properly label and store oxygen tanks provide regular health and safety training for workers and hire an independent environmental consultant for a safety audit”, Dr. Yarkpawolo added.

The five thousand United States dollars fine, according to Dr. Yarkpawolo must be paid to the Liberia Revenue Authority within seventy-two hours. Additionally, he said the company must pay one thousand two hundred sixty-three United States dollars for a temporary permit allowing it to resume operations while completing safety audits

He acknowledged that the oxygen plant has been supplying free medical oxygen to hospitals in Montserrado County since the COVID-19 pandemic Health authorities at the Ministry of Health have verified this claim

To prevent disruptions in the supply of life-saving oxygen, Dr. Yarkpawolo said the EPA will issue a temporary ninety-day permit once the fine and permit fee are paid During this period the company must fully comply with all safety requirements

Dr Yarkpawolo reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to ensuring workplace safety and environmental compliance in all industries.

He said the EPA will conduct follow-up assessments to ensure Sethi Ferro Fabrik meets all conditions before granting a full permit.

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