The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has forcefully shut down St. Moses Funeral Parlor in Bong County after uncovering what authorities described as repeated environmental violations and blatant disregard for the country’s environmental laws.
The closure followed an ongoing nationwide environmental compliance monitoring exercise being conducted by the EPA across Liberia, targeting institutions accused of operating outside legal environmental standards.
According to EPA authorities, St. Moses Funeral Parlor, located in the Green Farm, New Iron Gate Community in Bong County, had previously received several non-compliance notices in 2023 tied to environmental concerns involving its operations at various branches across the country.
Despite multiple warnings from regulators, the institution allegedly failed to obtain the mandatory environmental permit required to legally operate, while continuing its activities in open violation of Liberia’s environmental regulations.
During the inspection, Bong County Branch General Manager, Augustine Kemocai, reportedly informed inspectors that he had no knowledge of the previous EPA notices because he only assumed office in 2024.
Assistant Manager Joseph Holder also claimed he was unaware of earlier enforcement actions taken against the institution.
However, EPA inspectors later contacted the funeral home’s central management office in Monrovia during an on-site conference.
According to the EPA, senior management officials admitted they were fully aware of the situation but failed to implement the corrective measures demanded by environmental authorities.
EPA inspectors described the institution’s conduct as a deliberate and coordinated failure to comply with environmental regulations despite repeated warnings from the government.
The EPA enforcement team, headed by Inspector General, R. Baiyezinah Brown, subsequently issued additional non-compliance notices against the funeral home for several serious violations, including operating without an environmental permit, operating without chemical importation authorization, failure to register chemicals, and improper handling and use of chemicals.
Authorities immediately ordered all staff members to vacate the premises before shutting down the facility pending full compliance with Liberia’s environmental laws and regulations.
The EPA said the closure sends a strong warning to businesses and institutions across Liberia that the government will no longer tolerate environmental violations, regardless of status, influence, or sector.
Officials further maintained that the agency remains committed to enforcing the Environmental Management Law of Liberia and protecting public health and the environment from institutions operating outside the country’s legal framework.