By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Residents of Gbarkonah Town, Electoral District #4 in Bong County, have raised alarm over a “deadly threat” to their lives caused by the Chinese-owned Da Tang Mining Company.
Some of the residents claimed that the company continues to pollute their water sources with toxic chemicals from gold mining operations.
The community described the company negligence as a direct attack on public health, with sickness.
Local leaders, and other residents reported that for over eight years, the company has mined gold in the area with scant regard for human life.
Despite the obvious hazards, residents say no schools, roads, or meaningful infrastructure have been provided, apart from the only hand pump that serves the entire town.
Meanwhile, water contamination has led to widespread illnesses, with children, women, and the elderly falling sick from reportedly drinking, and using polluted water.
Town Chief, John Flomo, described the situation as a community trapped in crisis. “People are getting sick every day from water the company has poisoned. Our pleas fall on deaf ears, and the company continues to exploit us, taking our minerals while giving nothing back.
Flomo has meanwhile, denounced the company blatant disregard for human life.
Elder Richard Sanawulor, accused both the company, and the government of complicity through inaction.
“Our minerals are being stolen; our water poisoned, and our people are left to suffer. The government must intervene before more lives are lost.”
Resident Alice G. Sumo, echoed the outrage, noting that she and her children have suffered from illnesses linked to the polluted water.
Other residents also alleged that no agreements or benefit-sharing documents have ever been disclosed to the community, leaving them powerless, while the company profits.
While the company is yet to address the residents concern, Gbarkonah residents have called on authorities at the Ministry of Mines and Energy to halt the water pollution.
The company has yet to respond to repeated inquiries, while attempts to reach the representative via WhatsApp text messages went unanswered.