LLA Cracks Down On Illegal Wetland Sales In Montserrado

By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) has embarked on a major crackdown on the illegal sale and invasion of wetlands across Liberia, with Montserrado County and its environs being the first county of operations.
The LLA’s efforts are being supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of a broader initiative to protect wetlands across Montserrado County and its surrounding areas, including other parts of the country.
The exercise, which commenced over the weekend, May 8, 2025, witnessed the LLA Chairman and team of technicians, including journalists, visited the 72nd community in Paynesville, King Farm in Careysburg, Barnesville, and Caldwell Township, among others.
The initiative, however, followed rising concerns over unauthorized land transactions and encroachments, which are somehow contributing to severe flooding, habitat destruction, and environmental degradation.
During the tour, the LLA Chairman, Samuel F. Kpakio, said the move is to ensure all those occupying wetlands in the country are verified for appropriate legal action, and disclosed that the environment must be preserved to reduce environmental risks.
Chairman Kpakio, however, warned that the ongoing rainy season could significantly exacerbate these risks, threatening lives, property, and critical habitats; as such, the time for people to account for the usage of wetlands cannot be overemphasized.
“So, we as a government cannot continue like this, and if we must/have to act, the time is now, because this thing must be stopped. We will make sure everyone who is a resident of the wetlands account,” he cautioned.
Mr. Kpakio maintained that wetland encroachment not only endangers natural ecosystems but also poses serious health risks to communities and the country as a whole, especially during the rainy season.
Also, while visiting the King Farm Community in Careysburg during the tour, the inspection team encountered claims of property disputes involving a local church and some residents of the community.
According to reports gathered, some residents in the area are under threat from bandits who terrorize the community with guns and machetes, thereby damaging their palm farm and other assets.
But in response to the claims, Chairman Kpakio, however, clarified that those who are claiming to be the owners of the property have yet to produce a document after many requests were made by LLA.
According to him, the Church was able to submit all of its documents to substantiate its claims, but till now, the other parties involved have yet to provide their documents to adequately resolve the dispute.
The inspection team also gathered concerns from residents of Johnsonville Township and the Dixville Community about Ruixu Concrak, a Chinese firm currently engaged in constructing on wetlands.
According to the report, the construction further complicates conservation efforts, prompting calls for immediate action to prevent further environmental harm, ensuring the well-being and safety of the community and its populations.
Meanwhile, the LLA boss also met with the Commissioner of Caldwell Township, Ibrahim Sapee, and other local officials in a collaborative effort to discuss measures to curtail numerous invasions of wetlands in the area.
During the interaction, Chairman Kpakio emphasized that the government will not tolerate unauthorized construction on these sensitive lands, underscoring the critical role of community leaders in safeguarding their environments.
He assured, “The rainy season is here, and people building on these wetlands without authorization are putting communities at risk, and we are committed to ensuring that Liberians are safe from the dangers posed by unregulated wetland development.”