Boakai Unveils US$800K EPA’s Headquarters

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Thursday, July 16, officially dedicated the newly procured headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The ceremony, held at the EPA’s new location in Mama Point, also marked the commissioning of a state-of-the-art elemental analyzer in EPA’s laboratory. The theme of the event: “Tenant to Ownership,” underscored government’s commitment to responsible development and the promotion of environmental sustainability.

Pres. Boakai highlighted the importance of environmental protection in the pursuit of economic growth.

“This headquarters and the new elemental analyzer symbolized our commitment to stronger governance, responsible development, and the protection of our natural heritage.”

Boakai said, the necessity of ensuring that economic activities leverage the rich natural resources, including forests, wetlands and rivers, while simultaneously protecting the environment for future generations.

He called for a balanced approach to development that prioritizes both the economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, giving the overview of the program said, the agency had been paying US$72,000 annually in rent, a cost that escalated to US$85,000 per year in the new location, prompting the decision to purchase rather than rent.

Yarkpawolo said, the new property, spanning 1.8 acres, was acquired for approximately US$800,000, including taxes and fees, which is notably below the lowest appraisal of US$1.3 million. This strategic investment is expected to convert a recurring annual expense into a valuable public asset.

Yarkpawolo said, the newly acquired compound boasts modern amenities, featuring around 80 offices, three conference rooms, four reception areas, 24 bathrooms, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory, a library, staff workspaces, parking, a warehouse, a generator house, and a secure perimeter.

He however noted that notably, a state-of-the-art 60-kilowatt solar system, has been installed to provide clean, reliable power to the facility. The environmental laboratory within the new complex includes specialized sections dedicated to Radiation Safety, Water Quality, Marine Studies, and Instrumental laboratories.

These enhanced facilities will support critical functions such as sample testing, pollution investigations, compliance assessments, and research vital for effective regulation.

A highlight of the laboratory’s capabilities is the recent acquisition of an Elemental Analyzer, valued at approximately €100,000.

This piece of equipment, which was specifically designated for West Africa under the IAEA regional program, underscores the laboratory’s commitment to advance research in soil fertility, organic carbon, and climate change, while also fostering collaboration with universities and young scientists.

Looking beyond Monrovia, the EPA is also expanding its reach. The agency has acquired three acres in Bong County for a regional laboratory, with further negotiations underway for additional environmental learning centers in Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Maryland.

These centers will enhance educational opportunities, monitoring efforts, and access to EPA services across the country. In partnership with Canadian support, the EPA has established a National Climate Change Laboratory, equipped with a 32-kilowatt solar system, and has installed a 28-kilowatt system at the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

He therefore, Yarkpawolo noted that these initiatives are set to test the net-metering arrangements and promote clean energy generation within public institutions.

Additionally, the EPA is collaborating with the Monrovia City Corporation to manage a US$100,000 facility in Fiamah that converts organic waste into compost.