The Port of Buchanan continues to face severe threats from coastal erosion and rising sea levels and these environmental challenges have resulted in significant flooding and erosion, thus jeopardizing the port’s operation.
It can be recalled that, on May 21, 2024 there was a terrible experience with the sea erosion which led to the immediate halt of operation on the Port for approximately two days.
According to them, the erosion led to displacement of containers, relocation of cars and other objects from inside to outside the port; destruction of electricity and over flooding of the entire peer and administrative building which halted its activities.
Addressing the press on Friday, May 31, 2024, the Executive Director of the Port of Buchanan, Jonathan Kaipay, said the coastline is not only disrupting Port activities but is also causing substantial financial losses for the Liberian Government, amounting to millions of United States dollars in lost revenue.
We too call on the government and all stakeholders in the maritime industry to take immediate and decisive actions to address the existing challenges, to protect not only the port itself but also the livelihoods and communities that depend on it.
We urge the government to invest in coastal defense infrastructure, construct seawalls, reinforce existing structures, and employ advanced technologies to stabilize the coastline and that such measures provide immediate relief and longer-term solutions.
The port should be modernized with advanced technology, better management practices and training programs for port staff, to attract more international shipping companies.
The government must also collaborate with private entities to bring in much-needed capital and innovative practices, propelling the port towards international standards so that the Port of Buchanan becomes a beacon of progress, driving economic growth and prosperity for the entire nation by investing in infrastructure, improving operational efficiencies, and bolstering security.
