The environmental crisis in the Cavalla River, which borders Liberia and Ivory Coast, has taken a grave turn as the Liberia Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has uncovered additional high concentrations of chemical pollutants in the water.
This alarming discovery has not only heightened concerns over the ecological and health impacts but has also intensified diplomatic tensions between Liberia and its neighbors.
A communication from the EPA, now sitting on President Joseph Boakai’s desk, underscores the severity of the situation. The EPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, confirmed in an interview with Verity Newspaper that the chemical spill is now a matter of urgent national concern, with potential diplomatic repercussions.
The President, as the highest authority in the Executive, has been formally notified, and his intervention is being sought to address the crisis at both national and international levels.
Dr. Yarkpawolo revealed that the latest tests conducted by the EPA have identified a worrying increase in the concentration of harmful chemicals, particularly cyanide, in the Cavalla River.
This discovery adds to the initial reports of contamination that have already devastated the surrounding ecosystem, affecting both Liberia and Ivory Coast. “We are in the process of creating widespread public awareness and are urgently warning people living near the river to avoid using the water or consuming any fish until we can fully assess the health implications,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated.
The EPA’s efforts to contain the crisis are ongoing, but the situation remains critical.
The discovery of these hazardous chemicals was first reported near Nimba County, on the Liberia-Ivory Coast border, and has since spread to Maryland County, escalating the environmental emergency.
The crisis began last month when a catastrophic spill from the Ity Gold Mine in Ivory Coast released cyanide into the Cavalla River. The spill has led to the death of aquatic life and poses significant health risks to the local population.
Verity News previously reported on a letter, written in French and addressed to a government official, that detailed how a dike in the CIL basin of the Ity Gold Mine broke, leading to the contamination.
The EPA has been proactive in issuing warnings and safety guidelines to the affected communities. “We are advising residents to avoid any contact with the river water and to refrain from consuming fish from the river until further notice,” Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized.
He also noted that the EPA has instructed the mine operators to take immediate action to contain the spill and mitigate further damage.
In light of the river’s status as a shared resource, the EPA has urged the Liberian government to engage in diplomatic discussions with Ivory Coast to prevent further contamination and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The EPA’s official press release, issued on July 22, 2024, detailed the critical nature of the contamination and its potential long-term impact on public health and the environment.
As the crisis deepens, the public is being urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow the safety guidelines provided by the EPA and other health authorities.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as both nations work to address the growing environmental and diplomatic challenges posed by this disaster.
