Residents of Whein Town in Liberia's Paynesville area are calling for the immediate closure of the Whein Town Landfill, citing growing health and environmental concerns. The landfill, established in 2011 as a temporary five-year emergency waste disposal site, has far exceeded its intended lifespan and is now operating in a heavily degraded condition. Residents report increasing mosquito and fly infestations, foul-smelling water, and the presence of rodents and snakes around homes.
The Whein Town Community Leadership, led by Secretary General Samuel Kofi Jones III, has raised concerns about the landfill for years and previously protested activities they considered harmful to the community. Jones recalled an incident in 2012 or 2013 when authorities allegedly brought seized drugs to the area and burned them near the landfill, prompting residents to protest and demand greater community oversight. A community monitoring team was established but has faced financial constraints and inconsistent stipends.
Residents interviewed by FrontPage Africa cited specific health concerns, including malaria, and expressed frustration that government or humanitarian organizations have not regularly collected household data or distributed mosquito nets and other supplies. Leon Miaway, a resident, said mosquitoes have become particularly problematic in the community, especially during the evening, and that residents often struggle to remain outdoors after 5 or 6 p.m. He also expressed concern about water sources around the community, particularly following changes to the area where waste is being dumped.
The community is also concerned about the economic impact of the landfill's presence, with residents saying they have to purchase water for drinking and cooking, adding to household expenses. Miaway said some residents now have to spend more money on water, and that malaria is common in the community, particularly among children who walk barefoot around areas affected by stagnant water. Princess Dennis, another resident, said families living near the landfill are increasingly concerned about illnesses they associate with conditions around the facility.
Residents fear retaliation and prefer their community leadership to advocate on their behalf, rather than organizing direct confrontations with authorities. Miaway disputed claims that residents routinely use the landfill for open defecation, saying people living around the facility have access to their own latrines. He also questioned the enforcement of reported safety requirements requiring people entering the landfill to wear protective equipment.
The Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) has stated that it is taking "immediate, aggressive action" to address technical challenges at the landfill. However, residents remain skeptical, with Amos Moore saying that residents of Whein Town feel betrayed by the government. Moore said the government has failed to live up to its promise of closing the landfill since its five-year lifespan expired.
The situation in Whein Town highlights the need for sustainable waste management solutions in Liberia. Residents are demanding that the landfill be closed or relocated, and that authorities take concrete steps to address the health and environmental risks associated with the facility. The government and humanitarian organizations are urged to provide support to the community, including access to safe water and healthcare services.
Key points
- Residents demand closure of Whein Town Landfill due to health and environmental risks.
- Landfill has exceeded its intended lifespan and is operating in a heavily degraded condition.
- Community has raised concerns about the landfill for years, but authorities have failed to address them.
