Image by Liberia Investigator
-Information Minister Describes Act of Illegal Garbage Dumping in Drainage Systems
By Min Otis Mel Nax Jr.
Monrovia-Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah has strongly condemned the continued illegal dumping of garbage into drainage systems, describing the practice as irresponsible and one of the leading causes of flooding across Monrovia and surrounding communities.
Speaking on the growing sanitation crisis, Minister Piah made specific reference to drainage corridors along the Japanese Freeway in the Red Light area, where waste is disposed of into waterways has become increasingly common despite repeated public warnings.
Liberia continues to face serious waste management challenges, particularly in densely populated urban communities like Red Light, parts of Paynesville, Monrovia and its surrounding.
This has contributed to poor sanitation, led to clogged drainages, environmental pollution, and recurring floods during the rainy season. Blocked waterways not only damage roads and homes, but also increase public health risks by creating breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and contaminating nearby communities.
Minister Piah emphasized that the persistent dumping of waste into drainage channels prevents the free flow of water, causing streets to overflow and exposing residents to unnecessary hardship whenever heavy rains occur.
He called on the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) to strengthen enforcement by identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals who illegally dispose of garbage in drainage systems.
According to the Minister, closer collaboration between sanitation authorities and law enforcement agencies is essential to deter offenders, protect public infrastructure, and improve environmental management nationwide. He stressed that enforcing sanitation laws must become a national priority if Liberia is to effectively address its recurring flooding problem and build cleaner, healthier communities.
Minister Piah also urged Liberians to take greater responsibility for proper waste disposal, noting that maintaining clean communities requires both government action and public cooperation. He encouraged citizens to support ongoing sanitation initiatives by disposing of waste responsibly and protecting public drainage systems from abuse.
