Town chief, John Flomo, elder Richard and Alice Sumo
By J. Boimah Johnson | Bong County
Bong County — Residents of Gbarkonah Town, Electoral District #4, say they are suffering from persistent headaches and waterborne illnesses, including diarrhea, which they attribute to alleged water pollution caused by the Da Tang Mining Company.
The town, home to about 600 people, relies on a nearby creek for drinking, cooking, and washing. Community members told the Rural Reporters News Network (RRNN) on January 10, 2026, that the creek has been contaminated by chemicals used in mining operations. RRNN visited the site but could not independently verify the claims.
Town Chief John Flomo said several residents have fallen ill, citing headaches and stomach problems. He blamed the company’s activities, alleging that chemical runoff has polluted the community’s only water source.
“Many of our people continue to get sick from using the creek water, which is our main source of drinking water,” Flomo said.
Photo of the alleged polluted creek
Flomo added that since Da Tang began operations eight years ago, the company has failed to provide basic social services such as hand pumps, schools, and roads.
Community elder Richard Sanawulor voiced frustration, saying the company extracts minerals without offering benefits to residents.
“The only thing we get from the company is sickness,” he said, urging government intervention to safeguard lives and natural resources.
Resident Alice G. Sumo reported that her family has experienced “strange diseases” she believes are linked to chemical exposure. She called on the Ministry of Mines and Energy to investigate.
RRNN noted that while it could not confirm the reported illnesses, the conditions in Gbarkonah and the allegations of water pollution warrant urgent investigation by relevant authorities. Efforts to reach Da Tang Mining Company for comment were unsuccessful.
