Community-Based Enterprises in Liberia are facing operational difficulties due to increased fees from the MCC and EPA. They have requested President Boakai’s intervention to lower these fees. The CBEs advocate for a National Solid Waste Management Policy to enhance sustainability, recycling, and composting efforts in response to the challenges they face.
In Liberia, Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) aim to manage solid waste and improve sanitation in Monrovia. Households contribute L$50 daily or L$800 monthly to support CBEs, enabling them to maintain operations, pay workers, and repair equipment. However, over a dozen CBEs are currently facing operational challenges due to increased fees imposed by the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
CBEs have formally requested President Joseph Boakai’s intervention regarding escalating fees, which include the MCC’s annual Solid Waste Operator Authorization fee of US$450 and the EPA’s solid waste operations permit fee of US$840. Additionally, municipal authorities are considering raising the tipping fee to L$600 per dump. These financial burdens hinder the effectiveness of CBEs.
The National Association of Primary Waste Community-Based Enterprises (N-A-C-O-B-E) and Pastor Z. Augustus P. Yarbah, Secretary General, express the need to discuss recycling and composting initiatives for solid waste. Their proposal includes suggestions for a National Solid Waste Management Policy to enhance resource recovery and reduce waste, which they plan to present to the President. Pastor Yarbah emphasizes, “A comprehensive policy is needed to guide the development of a sustainable waste management system.”
Investment in waste collection vehicles, transfer stations, and modern landfills is necessary to advance Liberia’s waste management system, according to the stakeholders.
The call from CBEs in Liberia highlights critical financial challenges posed by recently increased operational fees. Their appeal for President Boakai’s intervention underscores the urgent need for a more sustainable waste management policy that includes resource recovery initiatives. By addressing these issues, it is possible to enhance the effectiveness of solid waste management and ultimately improve public health and the environment in Monrovia.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
