By Samuel Borlay
Wanhassa District, Lofa County, Liberia— Farmers in the Wanhassa District, particularly those living along the upper part of the Kaha River, are urgently calling on the government of Liberia 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.
Speaking to a cross-section of affected individuals from various towns, it was clear that the flooding is wreaking havoc on their livelihoods. Essential crops such as cocoa, coffee, rice, and assorted vegetables have all fallen victim to rising waters, leaving farmers in dire straits.
Margret Jusu, a farmer from Mbalotahun, shared her distress regarding the situation to Verity News. “Since the Ministry of Agriculture constructed the dam on the Kaha River this year, our entire swamp land has been flooded,” she explained. “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 the floodwaters, spoke to Verity with tears rolling down his cheek. “This farm is my only source of income. It helps me send my children to school and buy food,” he said, expressing his confusion over the situation. “I am calling on the government to help us reduce some of this water or provide support because we feel lost.”
Dawuda Jallah, a lifelong resident of Bolahun, 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,” he stated, urging the government 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. “I have worked tirelessly, only to see everything washed away,” he lamented. “If the government cannot assist us, my family and I will be left with nothing.”
Investigations and visits to multiple farms in the area revealed that much of the farmlands surrounding the river have been submerged. Communities across at least seven towns, including Majortahun, Koilahun, Yangbelabun, Bolahun, Mbalotahun, Kpangehamba, and Kamada town, have reported similar devastation.
The farmers are now appealing for urgent government intervention to mitigate the flooding and restore the agricultural viability of their lands. As they wait for assistance, the futures of their families and communities hang in the balance, underscoring the critical need for immediate action from authorities.
