By Grace Q. Bryant
The Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) is facing financial constraints in its efforts to maintain public sanitation and waste management, with over US$6 million estimated to support community cleaning initiatives.
MCC Mayor, John C. Siafa, speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing on February 4, emphasized that the current budget allocation is inadequate to meet the country’s growing sanitation demands.
Mayor Siafa clarified that the funding request is focused solely on immediate cleaning operations rather than long-term infrastructure development, which would require additional investments.
“We’re looking anywhere between five to six million dollars just for our public cleaning, supporting the community. Right now, the budgets that we have are very inadequate. We’ve got to make do with everything,” he stated.
He stressed that waste management remains a top priority, revealing that MCC has partnered with the City of Queens, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Wash Commission to develop effective waste management policies.
As part of efforts to streamline waste disposal, two new waste transfer stations have been opened in Fiamah and Stockton Creek, leading to the temporary closure of waste disposal at Palm Grove Cemetery.
Mayor Siafa also announced upcoming waste management regulations aligning with the national solid waste policy and the President’s agenda.
“These will include mandatory household waste collection, stricter waste disposal enforcement, and improved monitoring of private sector compliance,” he said.
According to him, Monrovia generates approximately 1,100 metric tons of waste daily, but only 250–300 metric tons are being collected due to logistical constraints. MCC continues working with limited resources to clean main streets and improve waste collection infrastructure.
“Monrovia’s waste management system is facing significant hurdles, and we extend our gratitude to the public for their support. However, our dedicated team continues to encounter challenges, including threats and attacks while performing their duties. Some workers have been stoned at night, and despite police presence, offenders manage to escape,” he added.
The mayor urged residents to cooperate in keeping the city clean, emphasizing that waste management is a continuous process requiring efficient collection, disposal, and infrastructure development.
Mayor Siafa disclosed that the Wen Town landfill is nearing capacity, making it urgent to find alternative solutions.
He called on development partners to assist in establishing sustainable waste solutions.
He disclosed that MCC is facing operational difficulties due to an aging fleet of garbage trucks, many of which require frequent repairs.
To address long-term waste challenges, Mayor Siafa revealed that MCC is currently engaging with investors and conducting feasibility studies for waste-to-energy solutions.
“With 40% of Liberia’s waste being organic, there is great potential to convert it into compost for agriculture or even energy. However, waste-to-energy solutions require strategic investment and planning,” he noted.
MCC is also exploring sustainable financing mechanisms, including the establishment of a dedicated sanitation fund, to ensure consistent funding for waste management efforts.
The government has already developed plans to enhance waste management, including the establishment of a new weigh station and further expansion of the Green Center Project.
Mayor Siafa announced that Monrovia Day (February 12–16) will highlight urban transformation, cultural heritage, and community engagement under the theme “The Monrovia We Want.”
He said that the event aligns with Africa’s Vision 2063, emphasizing the city’s long-term development goals including Monrovia History & Heritage Exhibition: Featuring a fireside chat with renowned historians such as H. Boima Fahnbulleh, Patrick Burrows, Dr. Allen, and Connor, focusing on Monrovia’s history beyond its widely recognized 1822 founding.
He added that February 13 Roundtable Discussion will be covering key urban challenges like waste management, coastal erosion, noise pollution, and city ordinance enforcement, with experts and the public discussing sustainable solutions.
He noted February 17 Citywide Cleanup – “Think Green, Act Clean” Campaign: This initiative will promote environmental responsibility through billboards and public messages, encouraging residents to actively participate in keeping Monrovia clean.
Mayor Siafa also highlighted the MCC’s recent One-Stop City Service Center, designed to improve accessibility and transparency in service delivery. The center centralizes essential services, including tax payments, city planning permits, sanitation inquiries, and public complaints resolution.
Mayor Siafa reiterated the corporation’s commitment to creating a cleaner, more sustainable Monrovia.
