The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has ordered the immediate closure of St. Moses Funeral Parlor in Bong County for multiple environmental violations uncovered during an ongoing nationwide environmental compliance monitoring assessment.
According to the EPA, the funeral home, located in the Green Farm, New Iron Gate Community, had previously received several non-compliance notices in 2023 related to its operations at different branches across Liberia,
Despite the warnings, the institution allegedly failed to secure the required environmental permit and continued operating in violation of national environmental regulations.
During the inspection, the General Manager of the Bong County branch, Augustine Kemocai, who assumed office in 2024, told inspectors he was unaware of the notices issued in 2023.
Assistant Manager Joseph Holder also claimed to have no knowledge of the previous enforcement actions.
However, EPA inspectors later contacted the institution’s central management office in Monrovia during an on-site conference.
According to the EPA, senior officials acknowledged awareness of the matter but failed to take the necessary compliance measures, which inspectors described as a deliberate and coordinated failure.
The EPA enforcement team, headed by Inspector General R. Baiyezinah Brown, subsequently issued additional non-compliance notices against the funeral home for several violations, including operating without an environmental permit, operating without chemical importation authorization, failure to register chemicals, and improper handling and use of chemicals.
Following the enforcement action, EPA authorities ordered all staff members to vacate the premises, and the facility was shut down pending full compliance with Liberia’s environmental laws and regulations.
The EPA said the move demonstrates its commitment to enforcing the Environmental Management Law of Liberia and ensuring that no institution or individual operates outside the country’s environmental regulatory framework, regardless of status or sector.
