The surrounding ecosystem of the Cavalla River bordering Liberia and neighboring Ivory Cost is currently in a state of crisis due to a severe chemical spillage from the Ity Gold Mine in neighboring Ivory Coast.
This environmental disaster, which involves cyanide contamination, has resulted in significant harm to aquatic life and poses serious health risks to local populations.
Verity News obtained a letter, initially addressed in French to a government official, that detailed the incident.
The letter described how a dike in the CIL basin of the mine broke, causing a cyanide spill into the Cavally River.
The spill led to the death of fish and caused symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches among the local population.
The letter from Diakalidia Konate, Senior Prefect of Zouan-Houien, stressed the urgency of the situation and outlined the measures taken by Ivorian authorities.
These measures include instructing mine operators to contain the spill and advising residents to avoid consuming fish and water from the river and its tributaries.
In the event of feeling unwell, people are being strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Given the Cavalla River’s status as a shared resource, the letter urged the Liberian authorities to inform their citizens to prevent possible contamination.
In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia confirmed the incident and issued an official press release on July 22, 2024, detailing the severity of the ecological and public health hazards.
The EPA was notified of the spill on July 16, 2024, by its Inspectorate Office in Maryland County.
Reacting swiftly, the EPA convened an emergency meeting on July 19, 2024, with key national stakeholders to develop a comprehensive approach to assess and mitigate the spill’s impact on Liberia’s water resources in Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties.
The stakeholders included representatives from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Ministry of National Defense (MOD), the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), and the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME).
During the emergency meeting, a technical team was established, which included media representatives to raise public awareness about the incident.
The team’s primary objectives are to conduct a thorough scoping visit to the affected counties, assess the situation on the ground, and report back to the government.
Additionally, the EPA release stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged the Government of Ivory Coast and the Mano River Union to obtain more detailed incident reports and pertinent information.
Local authorities in Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties have been alerted, and public awareness campaigns are underway to inform residents about the dangers of consuming fish or water from the contaminated river and to advise them to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms associated with cyanide poisoning.
EPA and its partners have however made commitment to taking all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of the affected communities and the environment.
The public has been assured that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This incident underscores the urgent need for a rapid assessment and coordinated response involving all relevant Liberian agencies.
EPA, NDMA, NPHIL, MOA, MME, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), LiMA, the Ministry of Defense (MoD), and the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Commission (NWASH) must work together to address the fallout from this environmental disaster.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s prompt response highlights the agency’s crucial role in environmental protection and crisis management.
The Cavalla River spill serves as a critical reminder of the potential cross-border impacts of industrial activities and the necessity for vigilant monitoring and rapid response mechanisms.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on safeguarding the affected populations and mitigating the environmental impact.
The collaboration between Liberian and Ivorian authorities, along with the support of regional bodies like the Mano River Union, will be crucial in addressing this crisis effectively.
The public and affected communities are urged to stay informed through official channels and to adhere to the safety guidelines issued by the EPA and other health authorities.
The resolution of this incident is imperative not only for the immediate health and safety of those affected but also for the preservation of the shared natural resources and the maintenance of cross-border environmental integrity.
