ITI, Rivercess County – An investigation by Verity News has uncovered alarming illegal dredge mining activities taking place directly beneath the Cestos River Bridge in ITI, Yarnee District, River Cess County—an operation that residents say is placing one of southeastern Liberia’s most vital transportation links at serious risk.
Our investigative reporter, who visited the scene early Tuesday morning around 5:00 a.m., confirmed hearing the loud sound of dredging machines operating around the bridge area. The presence of dredges and mining equipment along the riverbanks strongly indicates ongoing illegal mining activities dangerously close to the bridge’s structural foundation.
Preliminary findings from the scene revealed that heavy dredging equipment has been excavating large volumes of soil from the riverbed around the bridge pillars. Experts warn that such activities can gradually weaken the bridge’s foundation and compromise its structural integrity if left unchecked.
Media investigations further caution that continued dredging in close proximity to the bridge could cause severe structural damage, potentially disrupting transportation and endangering thousands of commuters who rely on the bridge daily. Similar mining activities in other regions have previously resulted in infrastructure damage and environmental degradation.
The Cestos River Bridge remains a critical lifeline for residents, businesses, and travelers connecting southeastern counties—including Sinoe, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, and Maryland—to the rest of Liberia. Any damage to the bridge could isolate the region and severely affect commerce, transportation, and emergency services.
Residents of ITI are increasingly frustrated over what they describe as the apparent negligence of authorities. Daniel Jacob, a concerned resident, said community members have repeatedly raised alarms about the mining activities but have seen little or no immediate intervention.
“We are worried about the safety of the bridge,” Jacob said. “This is the only route many of us depend on to travel to other counties. The government must act before something terrible happens.”
What has raised even greater public concern is the presence of the Liberia National Police checkpoint in ITI, located less than 100 feet from the bridge. Residents question how such large-scale mining operations could continue within sight of law enforcement officers without any intervention.
Several citizens accused the police of ignoring repeated complaints from community members about the illegal mining activities. However, police authorities have reportedly denied having prior knowledge of the dredging operations taking place beneath the bridge.
Following media reports and growing public pressure, the Honorable House of Representatives has now stepped into the matter. The Legislature has mandated its Joint Committee on Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment to investigate the alleged illegal and unregulated mining activities near the bridge and report its findings to Plenary within two weeks.
The legislative action followed a formal communication from River Cess County Electoral District #2 Representative Steve Tequah. In his letter to the Speaker, Representative Tequah described the situation as a matter of grave national concern and warned that illegal dredging near the bridge’s foundation could result in catastrophic consequences.
He further noted that continuous mining activities around the bridge have been eroding the riverbed and weakening the bridge piers, creating what he described as an imminent risk of structural failure that could endanger thousands of citizens in southeastern Liberia.
Representative Tequah has therefore requested that the Minister of Mines and Energy appear before Plenary to explain why mining activities are being permitted so close to vital public infrastructure. He also called for clear enforcement measures and accountability for individuals involved in compromising the safety of the bridge.
Meanwhile, on March 5, 2026, the Ministry of Mines and Energy announced a major enforcement action aimed at cracking down on illegal mining operations in River Cess County. The Ministry confirmed that five dredges operating unlawfully beneath the Cestos River Bridge were confiscated during a coordinated operation in Yarnee District.
According to the Ministry, the enforcement exercise was conducted by the River Cess County Mines Office with support from state security officers after weeks of surveillance and growing concerns about the environmental and structural threats posed by dredging activities along the Cestos River.
Moses Kollie, Mining Agent for Yarnee District and a professional mining engineer, disclosed that illegal miners had repeatedly evaded arrest by fleeing the scene whenever enforcement teams attempted to intervene.
“For some time now, these dredgers have been threatening the safety of commuters accessing the Cestos River Bridge,” Kollie said. “Each time our enforcement team attempted to reach the site, the operators escaped using speedboats.”
Kollie explained that persistent monitoring and collaboration with local authorities eventually led to the successful seizure of five dredges and the destruction of several pieces of illegal mining equipment.
The confiscated dredges and related materials are currently in the custody of the Ministry of Mines and Energy as investigations continue and further regulatory actions are being considered.
The operation was led by River Cess County Mines Officer Lincoln G. Gbelee, working alongside Resident Geologist Oumaru Jabateh and Mining Agent Moses Kollie. The Liberia National Police, under the leadership of River Cess County Commander Elton Goffa, also provided backup support during the enforcement exercise.
Local authorities in Yarnee District assisted the operation, which officials say was necessary to prevent the possible collapse of the Cestos River Bridge due to persistent dredge mining activities beneath the structure.
Geological experts have also raised serious alarms over the situation. Resident Geologist Oumaru Jabateh stated that the continuous removal of soil beneath the bridge could have devastating long-term consequences for the stability of the structure.
“I observed continuous mining activities under the bridge, which raised serious geological concerns,” Jabateh said. “Dredging removes large volumes of soil from beneath the riverbed. Over time, this can weaken the bridge’s foundation and create a significant structural risk.”
Jabateh explained that his observations prompted him to file a formal complaint with the County Mines Officer, which triggered the enforcement action against the illegal mining operators.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy has now called on residents across Liberia to assist authorities by reporting illegal mining activities, particularly in areas where critical national infrastructure such as bridges and highways are located.
According to the Director of Mines, Alwell Aloysius Carr, the recent crackdown should serve as a stern warning to illegal mining operators that violations of Liberia’s Minerals and Mining Law will not be tolerated.
Carr emphasized that under the leadership of Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban, the Ministry will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts aimed at protecting Liberia’s environment while safeguarding critical national infrastructure from illegal and destructive mining activities.
