By: Trokon S. Wrepue
Rampant and illegal sand mining along Liberia’s beaches and rivers is emerging as one of the country’s most pressing environmental threats, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Officials warn that unchecked exploitation is accelerating coastal erosion, degrading wetlands, and endangering communities that depend on fragile ecosystems for survival.
EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, speaking in an exclusive interview, described the practice as a “silent crisis” undermining Liberia’s environmental stability. “Liberians are using too much sand. We mold bricks, cast walls, and floors with it. This excessive consumption is dangerous,” he cautioned.
Dr. Yarkpawolo revealed that sand mining has expanded beyond beaches into rivers, where degradation is already evident. “The miners have moved to the rivers. Wetlands are now threatened by excessive sand mining. The St. Paul River especially is at risk, along with other wetlands across the country,” he said.
Driven by booming construction demand and economic hardship, sand mining has become a widespread, often illegal activity in Monrovia and beyond. While the Ministry of Mines & Energy monitors operations, enforcement remains weak, allowing miners to shift from beaches to rivers and wetlands. Environmental experts warn that this transition could devastate biodiversity, accelerate flooding, and compromise the long-term survivability of coastal communities.
In response, the EPA is championing a return to traditional building methods. Dirt bricks—also known as mud bricks—are being promoted as a sustainable, affordable, and durable alternative to sand-based cement blocks. Widely used in rural Liberia, dirt bricks are produced from locally available soil, water, and stabilizing agents. When properly molded and heated, they often outlast modern cement blocks.
“We see that dirt bricks, if molded and treated properly, are better than using sand,” Dr. Yarkpawolo explained. “We need innovators to invest in dirt brick production. This will reduce pressure on sand mining and provide communities with cost-effective housing solutions.”
The EPA argues that dirt bricks not only protect the environment but also empower communities economically. By reducing reliance on cement—a major emitter of greenhouse gases—Liberia could cut construction costs while advancing climate goals. “Many countries in East Africa and desert regions are already using dirt bricks. It’s time Liberia adopts this model to safeguard our environment,” Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized.
The agency’s recommendations come at a critical moment. With sand reserves in some areas already depleted, the environmental toll is mounting. Rising sea levels, worsened by erosion, threaten to displace thousands along Liberia’s coast. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the country risks irreversible damage to its rivers, wetlands, and coastal communities.
For the EPA, the message is clear: Liberia must rethink its construction practices. By embracing dirt bricks, the nation can reduce environmental destruction, lower housing costs, and chart a path toward sustainable development.
As Dr. Yarkpawolo concluded, “The demand for sand is destroying our environment. Dirt bricks are not just an alternative—they are a solution for survival.”
