By Linus Flomo
The Monrovia City Police (MCP), has arrested a 28-year-old businesswoman, Winnie Myers, “illegally disposing garbage” along a public road in violation of the city’s anti-littering laws yesterday.
The incident took place at the commercial hub of ‘Waterside’, a central part of the capital also known for heavy pedestrian traffic.
Myers, who operates a small retail business in the city, was caught in the act of discarding large amounts of plastic waste along the roadside, an action that directly contravenes the city’s littering ordinance. Specifically, Section 10 of the Monrovia City Ordinance, which prohibits the unlawful disposal of trash in public spaces, was cited by the police at the time of her arrest.
The law mandates that all citizens must dispose of their waste in designated bins or approved waste disposal sites.
The Monrovia City Police were quick to respond to the violation, arresting Myers and informing her of the penalties for such an offense.
According to city officials, the fine for illegal dumping is set at US$100, with non-payment of the fine resulting in the case being forwarded to the Monrovia City Court for further prosecution.
Myers remains in the city police custody as she awaits legal proceedings.
In an official statement, the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) underscored the gravity of the offense and its broader implications for public health and sanitation.
“This arrest is not just about enforcing the law but also about sending a clear message that we must all be accountable for the cleanliness of our environment. No one is above the law,” the statement read.
The city authority also emphasized that citizens must lead by example and refrain from littering in public spaces, noting that a clean city is a shared responsibility that involves everyone, from business owners to residents.
The arrest has sparked a wider conversation about the ongoing issue of illegal dumping in Monrovia, with increasing reports of waste being discarded in unauthorized areas across the city.
In recent months, city officials have noted that improper waste disposal, including plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other refuse, has become a growing concern.
The authorities have made repeated calls for residents to adhere to waste management guidelines, especially as the city works to improve its sanitation systems.
Local environmental groups have also weighed in on the matter, applauding the police for their swift action but urging the government to do more to educate the public on proper waste disposal.
“It is crucial that we not only enforce the laws but also make sure people understand why these laws matter. Littering is a public health hazard and a major environmental concern,” said Helen Gbenyon, a street vender.
The MCC has meanwhile, called on residents to report any instances of illegal dumping, promising to take further action against offenders.
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat littering, the city administration has also pledged to expand its public awareness campaigns, focusing on the importance of waste segregation and responsible disposal.
City officials are also considering expanding the availability of public trash bins in high-traffic areas to provide more opportunities for residents to dispose of waste in an appropriate manner.
“The solution to littering is not just about penalizing violators, but also about creating an infrastructure that makes it easier for everyone to do the right thing,” the MCC release stated.
The arrest of Winnie Myers serves as a reminder that Monrovia’s efforts to combat illegal dumping and maintain a cleaner, healthier environment require collective action.
The city government is urging all residents to take personal responsibility for keeping their neighborhoods clean and to report instances of littering or illegal waste disposal.
