By Grace Q. Bryant
The House of Representatives has summoned key stakeholders, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Commerce, the Bureau of Concessions, and the Management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik Steel Factory, to appear before the plenary on Tuesday, February 25.
This decision follows a tragic explosion at the factory’s oxygen plant on Monday, February 17, which resulted in multiple fatalities and raised serious concerns about workplace safety and environmental protection.
Representative Ivar Jones of District 2, Margibi County, formally raised the issue before the plenary, emphasizing that such industrial accidents continue to pose a threat to Liberian workers.
Citing Article 8 of the 1986 Constitution, which guarantees just and humane working conditions for all citizens, Rep. Jones stressed that the government must ensure that factories operating in Liberia adhere to strict safety standards.
“When people leave their homes in the morning to go to work, their families expect them to return safely. If safety measures are not enforced, and these investors continue to operate without regard for human life, then this is a concern for all of us,” he stated.
Rep. Jones also highlighted environmental concerns raised by residents living near the steel factory, questioning whether the EPA is adequately performing its duty to ensure compliance with environmental safety regulations.
The lawmaker recalled past incidents of industrial accidents in Liberia, referencing a similar explosion during the 54th Legislature. He expressed frustration that despite previous tragedies, no stringent measures have been put in place to prevent such occurrences.
“How many more lives must be lost before we take serious action? The EPA exists to ensure our environment is safe; are they doing their job? Are investors following safety protocols? These are the questions that must be answered,” he asserted.
During the deliberations, lawmakers underscored the need for stricter oversight of industrial facilities in Liberia.
Some proposed that regulators, including the EPA and the Ministry of Commerce, should be held accountable for ensuring that factories comply with safety regulations before disasters occur.
This is not just about one factory. It’s about a pattern of neglect that continues to cost lives. We need proper regulatory oversight and enforcement of safety protocols to protect our people,” one representative emphasized.
Following the discussions, the House of Representatives resolved to summon the EPA, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Bureau of Concessions, alongside the Management of Sethi Ferro Fabrik Steel Factory, to explain the circumstances surrounding the explosion and outline the safety measures that were or were not implemented. The upcoming hearing on February 25 is expected to shed light on the explosion’s cause, potential negligence, and measures needed to prevent future tragedies.
