PLEEBO, Maryland County — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Maryland County has raised serious concerns over the continued use of a waste disposal site located near the main Pleebo City area, warning that the location poses major environmental and public health risks to nearby residents and businesses.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr. peterp.toe@frontpageafricaonline.com
The area under discussion is situated a few feet away from the main city, before reaching the unfinished Pleebo City Hall that was initiated by the former Coalition for Democratic Change Administration along the Pleebo – Harper Highway.
Speaking on a local radio in the county Tuesday, James P. Pude, Head of Inspectors at the EPA in Maryland County, said the agency has already engaged Pleebo City authorities and recommended an immediate halt to the use of the location as a dumpsite.
According to Mr. Pude, after taking office, he participated in a County Development Steering Committee meeting where he reviewed the Maryland County Development Agenda for 2024–2029.
He explained that within the county’s development plan is a major focus on environment and sustainability, including waste management initiatives.
He disclosed that the development agenda projects the establishment of two landfill sites in Maryland County between 2024 and 2029.
Speaking specifically about Pleebo City, Mr. Pude said the current waste disposal site is unsuitable because it is located within a residential and commercial environment where people live and operate businesses in close proximity to the waste.
“When you sit there, there are a lot of flies coming directly from the landfill site because of the decaying materials there,” he said.
“These insects move within the residential area, creating serious health concerns.”
According to him, the location also exposes residents to dangerous air pollution caused by the odor released from decomposing waste materials.
“As biodegradable materials decay, they release a pungent smell, which is not good for people to inhale,” he explained. “Your immune system will not be able to withstand that for a long time.”
Mr. Pude further warned that the situation could lead to water contamination during the rainy season.
“Whenever rain falls on the waste, the water can seep into the soil or mix with runoff that may eventually enter nearby creeks and wells,” he stated. “The risk is visible.”
Residents and business people operating near the area say they continue to suffer from the environmental impact of the dumpsite.
“We are really suffering from the smell of the smoke, the flies, and even when rain falls, the dirty water comes to us,” a businesswoman selling near the area told reporters.
The waste disposal location has reportedly been in use since 2024, with the Pleebo City Corporation collecting garbage from streets and designated points daily for disposal.
Mr. Pude revealed that the EPA previously met with the Mayor of Pleebo City regarding the matter, and the mayor acknowledged that the location was only being used temporarily due to the difficulty of identifying a proper landfill site within the city perimeter.
Mr. Pude pointed out that the city authorities later negotiated with residents of Old Lady Town along the Harper Highway, who agreed to provide a parcel of land behind the community for a proposed new landfill site.
However, he stressed that the site cannot be fully used until it is properly prepared according to EPA environmental regulations and standard landfill procedures.
“The landfill site must be designed according to EPA regulations before it can be used,” he emphasized.
Mr. Pude also disclosed that authorities are considering opening an access road to the proposed site during the dry season, possibly through ongoing road rehabilitation and community cleaning activities.
Meanwhile, Pleebo City Mayor Larry Geekor, speaking Thursday to FrontPage Africa(FPA) via telephone, confirmed that the city corporation has already begun addressing the situation.
“We have already started addressing the situation. That place was just for temporary use. We have relocated the Pleebo City Corporation dumpsite far from that area. Only violators are still putting waste down there,” Mayor Geekor stated.
The mayor explained that the city corporation successfully negotiated with residents of Old Lady Town for a designated landfill area but is currently facing logistical challenges in opening access to the site.
“We have negotiated with the people of Old Lady Town on Harper Highway and they have given us a designated site. But to start using that area, we will need equipment to clear the road. That has been our challenge,” he said.
He added that authorities are planning to erect a signboard in the former disposal area with the message: “No Dumping of Waste.”
Despite the mayor’s assurances, residents say they still occasionally see city waste tricycles and private individuals dumping waste at the location. However, Mayor Geekor described those actions as violations.
“The EPA says it will continue monitoring the situation pending full relocation,” Mr. Pude noted.
Mr. Pude emphasized that waste management remains a major challenge not only in Pleebo but across Liberia, including Greater Monrovia.
“Waste management is a serious challenge all over Liberia,” he said, while noting that sanitation has been included as one of the key pillars under the government’s ARREST Agenda.
He described situations in Pleebo, referencing the Pleebo general Market where he said garbage occupies portions of streets, forcing motorists and motorcyclists to squeeze through narrow spaces while enduring unpleasant odors from accumulated waste.
According to him, the EPA plans to hold another follow-up meeting with the Pleebo City Mayor after the World Environment Day celebrations to assess progress regarding the proposed relocation site.
Mr. Pude warned that if urgent action is not taken, the environmental and health situation could worsen significantly.
“Sometimes they burn the waste there, and the smoke affects visibility on the road,” he said. “There are toxic materials mixed within the waste, contaminating the soil and the environment.”
“Our best interest is to ensure that the dump site is relocated to a safer area,” he concluded.
Residents fear the situation could worsen during the peak rainy season if the relocation process delays further.
