Monrovia – The Government of Liberia has validated the much-anticipated National Solid Waste Management Policy, in line with the Unity Party’s ARREST agenda. The validation took place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Sinkor.

The Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, stated that the policy was validated in response to the widespread issue of indiscriminate waste disposal in urban areas across the country. He emphasized that while local governments are responsible for waste management, the complexity of the task requires proper planning, organization, and cooperation between waste generators, local communities, service providers, and municipal authorities.

Dr. Yarkpawolo explained that to achieve the status of a middle-income country by 2030, as envisioned in the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Liberia must develop policies that ensure a healthy environment for its citizens. One such policy is the National Solid Waste Management Policy (NSWMP), which aligns with the sustainable development goals to enhance human security.

He added that the NSWMP reinforces the government’s commitment to improving sanitation and hygiene practices, as outlined in the ARREST Agenda. The policy will serve as a crucial step toward creating conducive living conditions for all Liberians.
The validation committee noted that once launched, the solid waste management policy will outline the government’s vision for effective and efficient waste management, recognizing its importance in improving public health and the overall quality of life in Liberia.