By Samuel Borlay
Wanhassa District – Farmers in Wanhassa District, Lofa County, particularly those living along the upper part of the Kaha River, are appealing to the Government of Liberia (GoL) for assistance, as severe flooding has devastated their crops.
The situation has escalated since the construction of the Fongoda Dam, which farmers claim has led to extensive flooding across their fields.
When Rural Reporters News Network recently spoke with a cross-section of the affected farmers from various towns, they lamented that flood situation is wreaking havoc on their livelihoods, with essential crops such as cocoa, coffee, rice, and assorted vegetables all haven fallen victim to rising flood waters, leaving farmers in dire straits.
Margret Jusu, a farmer from Mbalotahun, shared her distress regarding the situation, informing RRNN; “Since the Ministry of Agriculture constructed the dam on the Kaha River this year, our entire swamp land has been flooded.”
She continued: “This land is crucial for our farming and sustenance, but now we have nothing to work with.”
Another farmer, Joseph Momo, who has lost much of his cocoa farm to floodwaters, while shedding tears, told RRNN the impact of the situation on his family, saying;. “This farm is my only source of income. It helps me send my children to school and buy food.”
“I am calling on the Government to help us reduce some of this water or provide support because we feel lost,” Momo added.
Dawuda Jallah, a long-time resident of Bolahun, for her part, reflected on the unprecedented nature of the floods.
“In my entire life, I have never seen a flood like this. The dam has completely covered all my gardens,” Jallah lamented, urging the GoL to come to the aid of farmers during this challenging time.
Salay Harris, another affected farmer, shared his heartbreak over the destruction of his lowland farm, saying; “I have worked tirelessly, only to see everything washed away.”
Harris added, “If the Government cannot assist us, my family and I will be left with nothing.”
A RRNN investigation, which prompted several visits to multiple farms in the affected area, revealed that many of the farmlands surrounding the river have been submerged.
Communities across at least seven towns including Majortahun, Koilahun, Yangbelabun, Bolahun, Mbalotahun, Kpangehamba, and Kamada, have all reported reported similar devastations.
The farmers are now appealing for government’s urgent intervention to mitigate the flooding and restore the agricultural viability of their lands.
As the affected farmers wait for assistance, the future of their families and communities hang in the balance, underscoring the critical need for immediate action from authorities.
