Residents of Citizens of Mat House, District #1, Dweh Section, Upper Lloydsville, Grand Bassa County, have filed a formal complaint to the Liberian government through the Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye for alleged environmental degradation, water pollution, and vandalized its forest and cultural places by a Chinese company, Hongtu Mining Company Limited (PL10040024).
The residents in a letter dated, March 25, to Minister Paye, states that their once beautiful and environmentally friendly town, and once buzzing with energy, has become a destitute wasteland by the mining operations of Hongtu Mining Company Limited.
Hongtu signed a Memorandum of Understanding promising to build schools, clinics, pave the road, and most importantly provide hand pumps for access to clean water but the management failed to honor its obligation.
“As to date, our people have yet to see or benefit from any of the amenities promised in the MOU. We are also concerned that the company is operating illegally, not following local and international protocols set by the Liberian Environmental Protection Agency, United Nations, IFC, and EITI. For example, there is no proper waste disposal and pollution control”, the letter said.
According to the citizens, the creek that they once depended on for clean water has now been contaminated with cancer-causing agents such as mercury and cyanide. Management of the company engages with citizens privately incentivizing them to sell their farms and homes.
Land rehabilitation is nonexistent, a log bridge that connects District #1 to District #2 has been damaged due to heavy excavators crossing on the bridge as well as mining under and around the bridge, and they are in suspense anticipating its collapse.
“Hon. Paye, we are begging you please, send immediate intervention from the Government of Liberia. Our children’s lives are at risk, our livelihood is diminishing, and the culture of this town is being eradicated quickly at the hands of a few who the Chinese have empowered. We would like to revisit the MOU and revise it.
We are seeking reparations in the form of a new bridge, new road, budget for school construction, as well as a Mining Health Impact Fund to offset any future health implications that might take place due to chemical exposure. There are over 500 youths, women, and children in this town. We also want all mining to halt until these issues are reconciled,” the letter concludes.
