-EU Ambassador Reaffirms Commitment
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, European Union Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Nona Deprez, reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to supporting communities in recovery efforts during a visit to flood-affected areas in Monrovia alongside the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS).
Ambassador Deprez emphasized the EU’s commitment to disaster relief, saying, “We are supporting the Red Cross to help you mitigate the impact of the disaster.” She highlighted the necessity of implementing lasting solutions and urged the community to engage more actively in environmental cleanup and drainage maintenance, which are critical for creating healthier, safer living conditions.
The LNRCS described Ambassador Deprez’s visit as a “genuine effort to understand the deep struggles faced by families after the unprecedented flooding.” The organization expressed gratitude for her presence, stating, “Today, we had the immense honor of welcoming the European Union Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Nona Deprez, as she joined us in visiting flood-affected communities in Monrovia. Her visit was not just a show of support, but a genuine effort to understand the deep struggles faced by families after the unprecedented flooding.”
Through this collaborative effort, the LNRCS is providing essential cash assistance to 1,500 families, benefiting approximately 13,100 individuals, to aid in rebuilding their homes and restoring their dignity.
“The EU’s contribution through the IFRC is empowering families to make choices that best suit their needs, giving them a voice in their recovery process. Together, we are working toward sustainable recovery and long-term resilience for the affected communities,” the LNRCS stated.
Getting a New City:
In July of this year, the Senate Committee on Public Works and Rural Development proposed the relocation of Liberia’s capital. This recommendation comes amid a backdrop of growing concerns over severe seasonal floods that wreak havoc on the city, destroying property, endangering health, and causing widespread suffering.
Senator Saah H. Joseph of Montserrado County brought the issue to the forefront, highlighting the devastating impact of the floods, which have become a yearly crisis during the rainy season. He called on the Senate to investigate and develop a comprehensive plan to address the flooding.
Following this, the Senate Plenary summoned key government officials, including the Minister of Public Works, the Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority, and the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These officials were tasked with explaining the technical causes of the flooding, the measures taken so far, and plans to mitigate the issue.
Flooding Crisis:
On June 24, 2024, the Senate’s Joint Committee on Public Works, Public Corporations, and Lands, Mines & Energy held a public hearing to delve into the flooding crisis. The hearing aimed to understand the types of flooding affecting Liberia,identify the causes and exacerbating factors, review government actions and partner contributions, and examine immediate and long-term mitigation plans. Additionally, it explored the benefits of flood disaster mitigation under the Climate Change Convention.
Deputy Minister Prince D. Tamba led the Ministry of Public Works team, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yakparwolo headed the EPA team, and Counselor Kula Jackson represented the Liberia Land Authority. The officials reported that Liberia, particularly Monrovia, primarily experiences flash flooding due to heavy and excessive rainfall, resulting in water overflow as the soil cannot absorb the precipitation quickly enough. In addition to flash flooding, coastal flooding and river overflow contribute to the problem.
Human activities significantly aggravate the flooding situation, according to the Ministry the Ministry of Public Works and the Environmental Protection Agency. These activities include drying and filling wetlands, constructing buildings on wetlands and in alleys, dumping waste in drainage systems, and ignoring zoning and environmental laws. Furthermore, the construction of roads and highways without proper environmental studies and the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, worsen flooding in Monrovia’s low-lying areas.
The Ministry of Public Works identified 30 flood-prone communities in Montserrado County, estimating that over 100,000 people could be affected between July and September. The EPA highlighted global warming and urban migration as major contributors to the worsening flood situation.
The Ministry of Public Works told the committee that in the short term, they plan to partner with the National Disaster Management Agency to create temporary shelters for flood victims and provide adequate drinking water to prevent waterborne diseases. They also aim to collaborate with international partners for emergency assistance. However, the Ministry acknowledged its current inability to prevent flooding entirely, focusing instead on reducing its impact.
To mitigate flooding, the Ministry’s short-term strategy includes continued drainage cleaning, although this process has been criticized as slow and ineffective. Medium-term plans involve demolishing buildings that block drainage pathways. The EPA has issued stop orders on construction projects violating environmental laws and is advocating for a construction moratorium on wetlands to prevent further flooding. They emphasized the need for new regulations to stop construction on these vulnerable lands.
The Liberia Land Authority pointed out issues of uncoordinated efforts among institutions in tackling floods and noted that many swamplands have already been deeded as private property. The Senate Committee’s findings underscored that flooding in Monrovia is primarily due to flash flooding from heavy rains, aggravated by human activities and urban migration. They noted the lack of effective zoning programs and the absence of a comprehensive land use map. Additionally, coordination among government agencies in addressing flooding issues was found to be lacking.
The Committee recommended the initiating of discussions for relocating Liberia’s capital to a less flood-prone area. This move, according to the Committee, aims to alleviate the immense pressure on Monrovia, which was originally designed for 400,000 to 500,000 inhabitants but now houses far more, leading to overburdened infrastructure and rampant construction on wetlands.
The Committee also recommended establishing an institutional framework for better coordination among the Ministry of Public Works, EPA, Liberia Land Authority, and other agencies. They called for public awareness campaigns on zoning and environmental laws and the demolition of buildings constructed on wetlands and waterways in violation of laws.
Outsourcing drainage cleaning and ensuring constant monitoring were also suggested. The Committee emphasized the need to prohibit the registration of deeds for wetlands and prevent squatters from acquiring permits. They stressed the importance of preparing new zoning laws and land use policies, and designing climate-smart and resilient infrastructure.
