Several residents of Jekandor in Grand Cape Mount County have been alarmed over the delay of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish the actual cause of the recent allegations of water pollution in the area.
The EPA in its June 3, 2022 press release promised additional investigation into the matter.
Speaking to this Paper on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 in Jekandor, the town Chief Mustapha Pabai said the residents are still awaiting the EPA with regards to the actual cause of the alleged water pollution situation.
He added that Jekandor, which has about 17 houses and with a total population of approximately 350 inhabitants has benefited from relief from the Government of Liberia and Bea Mountain Mining Corporation.
The Gola Konneh District Chief, Pabai, confirmed that as part of its social-corporate responsibility, Bea Mountain continues to provide fresh water and assorted food items to the residents of Jekandor Community.
The Chief however called on the EPA to finalize the additional investigation it had called for.
Speaking also to this Paper were Chief Imam Jekandor Osman Pabai, Elder Stanley, Chairlady Jemah Kamara and Patrick Sumo who also expressed similar concerns and buttress the town chief’s call on the Government of Liberia through the EPA to speed up with the process.
The Bea Mountain Corporation has informed this paper that it is willing to work with the Government of Liberia and the residents of Jekandor in reaching the final stage of the EPA investigation on the alleged water pollution in the area.
However, the EPA’s quest for additional investigation to establish the allegations of pollution and the cause of the death of aquatic species found along the Marvo River initially created hopes among residents but it is now becoming doubtful.
Meanwhile, what is dangerous for residence is that the EPA did not mention whether the dead species were ever tested and or preserved.
