Residents in Mining Vicinity in Bong County Complain of Constant Headache, Waterborne Diseases

By J Boimah Johnson/Bong County Correspondent

Gbarkonah, Bong County…Residents of Gbarkonah Town, Electoral District #4 are reporting constant headache and other waterborne disease like running stomach due to an alleged water pollution by Da Tang mining company.

Gbarkonah Town is one of the mining communities in Bong County, with about 600 residents. Community members in the town are said to be experiencing headache and running stomach believed to be sourced form a polluted water in the operations area of a Chinese mining company, Da Tang mining company.

Speaking to Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) on January 10, 2026, community members alleged that the company has polluted the creek they use for domestic purpose, including drinking, cooking and washing. RRNN could not verify claims of water pollution even though it visited the creek for site seeing.

The Town Chief, John Flomo narrated that due to the water pollution, several residents have reported constant illness such as headache and running stomach, something he attributed to the constant use of chemical by the company.

Chief Flomo stated that many of the residents continue to get sick from using the polluted water which is their main source of drinking water.

The chief recounted that since the company began operation in the region eight years ago, it has continued to downplay their interests by refusing to construct hand pumps, schools and community roads. He lamented that over 600 of his residents are still drinking from creek waters in the midst of rich mineral, and wish for an immediate end to such a devastating living condition.

Another resident, Richard Sanawulor, voicing out in a sad tune said the company is polluting their water and taking away their valuable minerals without any benefits to the community. “The only thing we get from the company is sickness”, elder Richard said as he called on government to intervene and safe their lives and protect their natural resources.

Alice G Sumo, another resident, reported that due to the water pollution, she and her children and other family members have been experiencing strange disease, which she attributed to the continuous use of chemical by the company. Alice also called on the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Mine and Energy to investigate the use of chemical.

RRNN could not authenticate reports of headache and waterborne diseases through citizens appearance and interaction. But conditions in the town coupled with reports of water pollution and strange diseases require prompt investigation by relevant authorities.  

Meanwhile, all efforts to contact the Da Tang Mining Company proved fruitless.