By: Gareyson Y. Neufville
Residents of Quiloken Town in Gborlobo Clan, Pleebo–Sodoken Statutory District, Maryland County, are facing a worsening humanitarian and public health crisis due to the persistent lack of safe drinking water, poor sanitation facilities, and limited intervention from both government authorities and corporate actors operating in the area.
Quiloken Town is among several communities surrounded by the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC), a large rubber-producing concession operating in the district. Despite benefiting from the land and natural resources within the area, residents say the concession has failed to meaningfully support the community, particularly in addressing the critical issue of safe water and environmental protection.
In an exclusive interview, Quiloken Town Mayor, Mr. Benetius Mayo, revealed that the town has an estimated population of over 2,000 residents, yet depends on only one functioning hand pump for drinking water. Several other pumps that once served the community have broken down and remain unrepaired.
Mr. Mayo described the situation as alarming and life-threatening, especially during the rainy season.
According to him, nearly half of the population suffers from waterborne diseases each year as erosion carries polluted runoff from nearby tributaries into community water sources.
“The health impact is devastating,” Mr. Mayo stated. “Children, elderly people, and pregnant women suffer the most. In some cases, pregnant women have lost their pregnancies after contracting waterborne diseases.”
Community members also expressed serious concern about industrial pollution. The upper portion of the creek that supplies water to Quiloken Town is located near CRC’s processing facility. Residents allege that chemical waste from the factory is regularly discharged into the creek, contaminating the water downstream.
Despite repeated complaints and appeals, residents say the concession has not taken responsibility for cleaning the water, conducting environmental assessments, or providing alternative safe water sources to affected communities.
The local leaders argue that CRC has not fulfilled its social and environmental obligations to the people living within its concession area.
“It is painful that a company operating on our land, making profit from our resources, has not helped us with safe water, sanitation, or health support,” Mr. Mayo added. “If you carefully observe the water, you can see signs of chemical pollution, yet nothing is being done.”
Health professionals warn that prolonged exposure to contaminated water can cause cholera, typhoid fever, diarrhea, skin infections, reproductive health complications, and long-term damage to vital organs. Without urgent intervention, Quiloken Town risks facing a major disease outbreak.
Call for Humanitarian Aid, Corporate Accountability, and Government Action
The people of Quiloken Town are urgently calling on:
The Government of Liberia to enforce environmental and public health regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate alleged chemical dumping
Humanitarian organizations and development partners to provide safe water and sanitation facilities
The Cavalla Rubber Corporation to take responsibility by supporting clean water projects, repairing hand pumps, and mitigating environmental harm
Access to clean water is a basic human right. The continued neglect of Quiloken Town by both public authorities and the concession company has placed lives at risk. Residents are appealing for immediate humanitarian assistance, corporate accountability, and long-term solutions to end years of suffering and prevent further loss of life.
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