By: Keith Morrison| Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia-Friday, May 09, 2025 -The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) has launched a crackdown on the illegal sale and invasion of wetlands in Montserrado County. The exercise which commenced on May 08, 2025, is expected to go across the entire country beginning with Montserrado and its Environs.
According to the LLA Chairman, the move is to ensure all those occupying wetlands in the country are verified for appropriate legal action. He said the environment must be preserved to reduce environmental risks.
The LLA boss and his team of technicians, including journalists from different media houses in the country, visited the 72nd Community in Paynesville, King Farm in Careysburg, Barnesville, and Caldwell Townships. The initiative comes in response to rising concerns over unauthorized land transactions and encroachments, which are contributing to severe flooding, habitat destruction, and environmental degradation.
During the inspection exercise, Chairman Kpakio warned that the ongoing rainy season could significantly exacerbate these risks, threatening lives, property, and critical habitats; thus, the time for people to account for the usage of wetlands has come.
“We cannot continue like this. If we must act, the time is now. This thing must be stopped. We will make sure everyone who is a resident of the wetlands account,” he added.
Chairman Kpakio further stressed that wetland encroachment not only endangers natural ecosystems but also poses serious health risks to communities. Meanwhile, while visiting the King Farm community in Careysburg, the inspection team encountered claims of property disputes involving a local church.
Reports indicate that residents in the area are under threat from bandits who terrorize the community with guns and machetes, thereby damaging the palm farm and other assets.
However, when quizzed by the press on LLA’s role in resolving the dispute, Chairman Kpakio quickly stated that those who claim to be the owners of the property have yet to produce a document after many requests were made by LLA. He said the Church was able to submit its documents while others are yet to do so.
The inspection team also gathered concerns from residents of Johnsonville and Dixville about Ruixu Concrak; a Chinese firm currently engaged in constructing on wetlands. The construction further complicates conservation efforts, prompting calls for immediate action to prevent further environmental harm.
However, in the effort of collaboration, the LLA boss also met with Hon. Ibrahim Sapee, Commissioner, Caldwell Township, and other local officials to discuss measures to curtail numerous invasions of wetlands in the area.
During the brief meeting, Chairman Kpakio emphasized that the government will not tolerate unauthorized construction on these sensitive lands, underscoring the critical role of community leaders in safeguarding their environments.
“The rainy season is here, and people building on these wetlands without authorization are putting communities at risk,” Kpakio said.
“We are committed to ensuring that Liberians are safe from the dangers posed by unregulated wetland development.”
The LLA’s efforts are being supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of a broader initiative to protect wetlands across Montserrado County and its surrounding areas.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
