By J. Mason Kollie | Zorzor District, Lofa County
Communities in Kilewu Town and surrounding areas of Zorzor District, Lofa County, are demanding urgent action from the Upper and Lower Northern Mining Company over what they describe as worsening water pollution and environmental degradation caused by the firm’s operations.
Local leaders and residents insist the company must comply with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the community, which obligates it to mitigate environmental risks and provide safe drinking water.
On January 3, 2026, Zorzor District Commissioner Hon. Paul R. Kalama, Zorzor City Mayor, representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy convened a meeting with company executives to address mounting grievances. The gathering followed weeks of complaints from residents who say mining activities have contaminated water sources, leaving households without reliable access to clean water.
At the meeting, community members called for a temporary suspension of mining operations until pollution concerns are resolved. They urged the company to construct hand pumps and other facilities to guarantee safe water for domestic use, stressing that failure to act violates the terms of the MoU.
Beyond water contamination, residents expressed alarm over abandoned open pits left by the company’s excavation work. These sites, they warned, pose serious hazards to children and other community members navigating the area. “Our children are at risk every day because of these dangerous pits,” one resident said, appealing for immediate remediation.
The communities are now pressing local authorities and the national government to enforce Liberia’s mining laws and hold the company accountable. They argue that unchecked operations threaten both public health and the environment, undermining livelihoods in a region already struggling with limited infrastructure.
Environmental advocates note that mining companies operating in Liberia are legally bound to implement safeguards against pollution and land degradation. Failure to comply not only endangers communities but also erodes trust between corporations and local populations.
Commissioner Kalama emphasized that the government will not tolerate violations of agreements designed to protect citizens. “The MoU is clear. The company must live up to its commitments,” he said, pledging to work with stakeholders to ensure compliance.
For residents of Kilewu Town, the issue is not merely contractual but existential. Polluted water sources have forced families to rely on unsafe alternatives, heightening fears of disease outbreaks. Community leaders argue that unless the mining company takes immediate corrective measures, the situation could escalate into a public health crisis.
As tensions rise, the people of Zorzor District are calling for decisive intervention. They want the government to compel the company to honor its obligations, rehabilitate damaged sites, and prioritize the welfare of the communities hosting its operations.
The dispute underscores a broader challenge facing Liberia’s mining sector: balancing economic activity with environmental responsibility. For Kilewu Town, the demand is simple but urgent—clean water, safe surroundings, and respect for the agreements meant to protect them.
