Residents of Dougbo Community in Grand Kru County are living in fear as alarming mining pits near their homes create serious safety hazards and environmental concerns.
Dougbo Community is located along the 75- Kilometer road from Barclayville to Pleebo, where the Dougbo Community is facing the repercussions of unregulated mining activities that have taken root in their vicinity.
The mining operations, which have accelerated in recent months, threaten the lives of more than 200 families residing in Dougbo Community.
While the authorities of Grand Kru County, including chiefs, elders, women, Youth of the Dougbo Community are reportedly silent, In Profile contributor who visited one of the mining sites within the community reported several calls for actions to protect children and livestock that have strayed too close to the deep, unguarded pits.
The large excavations, often filled with stagnant water, pose not only a drowning risk but also create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising concerns about the spread of malaria and other diseases.
“We wake up every day worrying about our children,” said Sarah Doe, an insider. “The mining pits are everywhere especially this deep one almost to the main road leading to Pleebo, and they haven’t been secured. We fear that one day, someone will fall in, and we won’t be able to pull them out in time.”
The mining activities in the area are conducted without proper oversight from authorities.
The operators, many of whom are from external companies, have established a presence in the area, but they have failed to provide any assurances regarding the safety of local inhabitants.
Moreover, there are environmental implications linked to the mining activities, including deforestation and soil erosion.
Local farmers’ farmlands are gradually being encroached upon by mining operations, threatening their livelihoods almost all over Grand Kru County.
The removal of vegetation not only destabilizes the soil but also affects water quality in Grand Kru County, as toxic substances from mining can seep into nearby water sources.
Environmental activist and CEO of EECAF, Matthew Sieh Wisseh, stated, “The people of Dougbo are caught in a situation where their lives, health, and livelihoods are at stake due to the negligence of mining entities and lack of government regulation.”
About EECAF: The Environmental Eyes Consultancy and Advocacy Firm Inc-(EECAF) is a registered and legally established Environmental non-governmental organization or institution in Liberia.
This institution according to Wisseh is dedicated to highlighting local Environmental concerns such as water and air pollution, Biodiversity loss, illegal and unregulated mining activities and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.
About the Executive Director: The Executive Director, MATTHEW SIEH WISSEH, former political advisor and former research officer to Cllr. J Fonati Koffa, has International Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Tongji University in China 🇨🇳 and additional three professional CERTIFICATES from the United Nations online Training and Research Institute in (introduction to Sustainable Development in Practice, How to Prevent E-waste and Climate Change and Urban Cities). He’s a son of Grand Kru County and hails from PICNICESS.
He lamented that it’s time for the authorities to intervene and ensure that these operations are conducted responsibly or to halt them altogether before it’s too late.
In light of the escalating situation, Wisseh called upon local government officials and relevant regulatory bodies to take immediate action.
Wisseh is demanding a thorough investigation into the mining activities, enforcement of safety regulations, and implementation of sustainable practices that do not endanger communities in Grand Kru County.
The Dougbo Community is situated along a crucial transportation route that connects the 75 kilometers Barclayville to Pleebo road corridor, making it an essential hub.
However, the current threats posed by the mining pit in the Dougbo Community are casting a long shadow over the area, prompting questions about the long-term viability of living and farming in that part of Grand Kru County.
As concerns continue to mount, some citizens on a local radio talks-how have expressed their resolve to advocate for their rights and safety. “We will not remain silent,” Daniel Jobo said. “We will fight for our County, our health, and our future.”
They are urging all stakeholders, including the government and non-governmental organizations, to join them in addressing these critical issues before a tragedy occurs.
The IP contributor who also expressed frustrations over the current status of mining activities in Dougbo Community, voiced out that without prompt action, the community faces an uncertain future, undermined by the very activities that are supposed to lead to development and prosperity.
He noted that the situation of the Dougbo Community serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many mining-affected areas.
The intersection of resource extraction and community safety is a pressing issue that calls for urgent attention and action to safeguard the lives of those living nearby.