By Precious D. Freeman
Residents of Whein Town are calling on the government to urgently assist as they grapple with severe health and environmental challenges linked to a massive nearby landfill.
The community, located on the outskirts of Paynesville City in Montserrado County, faces a deteriorating situation exacerbated by contaminated water and inadequate waste management.
A local resident, Maima Bah, described the dire conditions in Whein Town. “Our living conditions are extremely poor due to the lack of safe drinking water,” she said.
The landfill, now a foul-smelling site plagued by pests, has contributed to numerous health issues, including typhoid, which has severely affected some residents.
Managed by the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), the landfill was initially operated by the independent contractor, Poyry GMBH.
Despite guidelines requiring daily covering of waste to minimize infestations, these standards have not been consistently met, leading to widespread environmental and health threats.
Abbas Kezele, another resident, reported a high incidence of waterborne diseases in the community, including diarrhea, malaria, and typhoid.
“The landfill emits unpleasant and potentially harmful odors, which impact our quality of life and contribute to respiratory issues,” he explained.
Kezele added that a nearby clinic frequently sees cases predominantly affecting children, with many residents delaying treatment due to financial constraints.
The landfill’s proximity has also attracted pests such as flies, mosquitoes, and rats, creating unsanitary conditions and exacerbating health problems.
“Exposure to landfill sites can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, waterborne diseases, and gastrointestinal issues,” Kezele noted.
Residents living near the landfill fence expressed their frustration over the government’s failure to provide promised improvements.
Whein’s community water tank, constructed with voluntary contributions, has been non-functional since 2020.
Another local, struggles with waste overflow from the damaged landfill fence, underscoring the authorities’ unfulfilled promises regarding safe drinking water.
In a related report, resident Edith Kamara highlighted the impact of pollution on her family.
“When it rains, all the waste spills into our community, making it unsafe for our children to attend school,” she said.
In an effort to address the crisis, the community drilled a borehole to supply clean water. However, repairs to damaged pipes by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) have not yet been completed.
Mo Ali, Managing Director of LWSC, acknowledged a lack of awareness about the situation but promised to investigate.
As Whein Town continues to endure severe conditions, residents are calling for the relocation of the landfill and improved waste management solutions to mitigate further health and environmental problems.
The community’s urgent plea reflects their desperate need for government’s intervention and support.
