Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led a team of technicians to assess several flood-affected communities in Congo Town, including Barchue and Mawain Communities.
The visit was initiated following a communication from Joseph Mulbah Kerlie, Chairperson of the Barchue Community.
The letter, dated June 17, 2024, requested assistance from the German Embassy in Monrovia to address blocked drainages within the embassy premises, which were exacerbating flooding in the community. The letter also urged the embassy to help reconstruct drainage systems and the Tolbert Road, the sole access route to the Barchue Community.
On June 16, 2024, over 200 homes were flooded due to heavy rainfall, severely affecting economically disadvantaged residents. Kerlie’s letter emphasized the urgent need for assistance during this critical time.
In response, Dr. Yarkpawolo promptly convened a meeting with key stakeholders, including Dr. Jakob Haselhuber, the German Ambassador to Liberia. The EPA team, led by Dr. Yarkpawolo, conducted a fact-finding tour to determine the root causes of the flooding and devise effective solutions.
Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted the detrimental impact of construction in wetlands and waterways, which exacerbates flooding. He stated, “The swamps and wetlands serve as reservoirs for the earth. When you build in the wetlands, where do you expect the water to go?”
He also called on the German Embassy to cooperate with the EPA and pledged to collaborate with other ministries and agencies, particularly the Ministry of Public Works, to address the situation.
Dr. Yarkpawolo urged all residents and citizens of Liberia to adhere to environmental laws to prevent future flooding incidents and protect the environment.
The EPA technical team included John Jallah, Manager of Compliance and Enforcement; R. Baiyezenah W. Brown, Inspector General of the Inspectorate Unit; Berexford S. Jallah, Assistant Manager of the GIS Unit; and Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency.