BY Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Communities in Bong County are reportedly reeling from the devastating impact of a chemical spill.
The spill is allegedly caused by MNG Gold Mining Company.
The incident has reportedly polluted water sources, destroyed farmlands, damaged rubber plantations, and left scores of residents battling health complications.
The environmental disaster has sparked widespread anger and renewed calls for accountability.
Affected residents have accused the company of prioritizing profit over people, while failing to prevent or adequately respond to the spill.
In response to mounting public pressure, Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye, Sr., led a high-level county delegation to Money Sweet Town, the epicenter of the spill.
The delegation included the county Superintendent, Loleyah Hawa Norris, and Electoral District #2 Representative, James M. Kolleh.
The delegation toured Gotobah and Matthew Towns, both of which were directly affected by the chemical contamination linked to MNG Gold’s mining operations.
Residents in the three communities reported that crops were wiped out, rubber trees destroyed, and once-safe water sources rendered unusable, pushing already vulnerable families into deeper hardship.
On behalf of the affected communities, Charles Sweet, the appointed focal person, presented a detailed list of demands. Mr. Sweet said the spill has disrupted livelihoods, and exposed residents to serious health risks.
The communities are demanding the immediate installation of hand pumps to replace polluted water sources; full compensation for affected residents; job opportunities for household heads, whose farms were destroyed; payment for damaged rubber trees, and continued medical support for more than 140 patients currently receiving treatment at the Manowinsue Clinic.
Residents openly questioned how a large mining company operating under national regulations could allow such a spill to occur.
They described the incident as a clear failure of environmental responsibility.
Many accused MNG Gold of abandoning affected communities once the damage was done.
Following the presentation, Sen. Moye announced the formation of a four-man committee, headed by Superintendent Norris, to formally present the communities’ demands to MNG Gold.
The senator said, the concerns of citizens would be pursued regardless of any Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) press release or final report, signaling frustration over regulatory delays and perceived inaction.
Rep. Kolleh and Supt. Norris, urged residents to remain calm, but acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.
They assured them that county authorities would continue to engage the company until concrete remedies are delivered.
The crisis gained national and international attention following intervention by the United Bong Citizens Association in the Americas (UBCAA), led by President Caimon Joe Kollie, whose press release helped force authorities to confront the issue.
Meanwhile, county authorities provided L$60,000 to assist affected communities with transportation costs for engagement with the company.
Many residents described the gesture as “inadequate” when weighed against the scale of environmental destruction and economic loss caused by the spill.
Officials of MNG Gold, including Public Relations Officer Matthew Gbanken, and Liaison Officer Matthew Whymah, attended the meeting.
Residents insisted that attendance and assurances are no longer enough.
They demanded full responsibility, compensation, environmental restoration, and justice.