Monrovia — The Slipway Community in Montserrado County witnessed a significant milestone on Wednesday, April 29  as Ambassador for Climate Change Global and Chief Executive Officer(CEO)  of Rise, Stephene Audrey Kpoto, led the groundbreaking ceremony for a safe drinking water initiative aimed at improving access to clean water for residents.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageonline.com

The project, which includes the construction of two modern water points, is expected to address long-standing challenges faced by the community in accessing safe and reliable drinking water.

The ceremony brought together community leaders, residents  and stakeholders, all of whom expressed optimism and appreciation for the timely intervention.

Residents described the initiative as a long-awaited solution to years of hardship.

Many noted that access to clean water has been a persistent issue in the community, making the project both necessary and transformative.

In addition to the groundbreaking ceremony, the community also announced plans to honor Ambassador Kpoto for her outstanding contributions to community development and empowerment.

Over the years, she has championed initiatives focused on education, economic empowerment and social transformation, particularly benefiting young people, women and vulnerable groups.

The day’s events featured several key highlights, including a gowning ceremony recognizing individuals committed to community service, the launch of a scholarship program set to benefit 100 students and the introduction of a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) aimed at promoting financial inclusion and supporting small-scale businesses.

Speaking on behalf of the community, local leaders expressed profound gratitude to Ambassador Kpoto, emphasizing that her efforts have brought hope, dignity and measurable progress to Slipway.

“This recognition reflects our deep appreciation for a woman whose work continues to transform lives and inspire a generation,” a community representative stated.

The Slipway Community reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners and development stakeholders to sustain and expand these initiatives for long-term impact.

Members of the media have been invited to cover the occasion and join in celebrating what many described as a landmark moment in the community’s development journey.

LOUISIANA, Upper Caldwell :  As the dry season heightens, several rock crushers in Louisiana situated in the Township of Caldwell, Montserrado County have expressed happiness over their working condition, describing it as far better than the rainy season.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusbortue@frontpage africa yahoo.com

According to the Chairman of the  Louisiana Rock Crushers Group, Sekou Kromah, they are now getting money from their crush rocks as compared to the rainy season.

‘‘Right now, our customers are buying our crush rocks and we are now benefiting from our hard laboured works. Those who buy our crush rocks are those who are building their houses and we hope the buying will continue until the rainy season begins when we will get out of business,’’ Chairman Kromah, who spoke in an interview with the FrontPage Africa(FPA) on Monday, April 13 at his rocks crushing site in Louisiana, stated.

‘‘I am happy that we are now getting money from our  crush rocks and our pots are now boiling unlike during the rainy season. This is the work I depend on for survivor  even though it is hard work but at least it is helping me and my family,’’ Chairman Kromah said.

Mr. Kromah said from the proceeds he is getting from the sale of his crush rocks he is saving some of the money for the rainy season for the upkeep of he and his family because he said he does not know no other work  but only this rock crushing work for survival.  

‘’During the rainy season, rock crushing business goes very slowly because you hardly see people who want to buy rocks for construction.  We only see them during the dry season and we are happy that the dry season is on,’’ he   added while pointing fingers at the huge 25kg bags of crushed rocks, which he said has been purchased and only waiting for removal.   

Also speaking to the FPA, Sarah Macauluay, a female rock crusher, also expressed happiness over the sale of crush rocks in Louisiana, saying “Life is little better than the  rainy season. Our rocks are being sold now and at least we are making life.’’   

Madam Macaulay, who said she  is a single mother, said with the sale of rocks she is now  taking care of here  children-sending them to school.

Rock crushing is more than work in this community-it is survival with unemployment soaring across Liberia and formal jobs out of reach for many Liberia. Many families turn to informal labour.

In Hipco valley, crushing stones for construction is one of the few options available.

Yet even this backbreaking work becomes  sustainable during the dry season.

A 25kg bag of crushed rock sells for just 200 Liberian Dollars –roughly one U.S. Dollar.

After   labour transport, and time, many rock crushers find themselves earning something satisfactory than they invest.

“We carry the rocks to the roadside every day, but at the end of the day, we get our profits from the work,’’  Madam Macaulay  told FPA.   

The strain is felt across families. Children are often seen alongside their parents, either helping with the crushing or transporting stones. With an estimated 80% of parents in Liberia unemployed or underemployed, many families are forced to choose between sending their  children to school and keeping them home to help put food on the table.      

‘’We are constrained to do this work because we have to send our children to school, feed them and pay our rent. I have five children,’’  she continued.

For her part,  Lewis Nah, another rock crusher said she is glad  that the dry season is on as she is getting money from the sale of her rocks, something she said did not happen during the rainy season.

‘‘Right now my children are in school and I have paid for all of their  school fees.   From the sale of my rocks everything is going fine with me and hope and I am preparing for the rainy season. I am saving some of the money from the sale of the rocks for the rainy season for our upkeep,’’  she added.

 Meanwhile, the female rock crushers have again   made a passionate appeal to the Government of Liberia(GoL) to help them with loans so as to help improve their business.

‘’When we get a loan, we will invest the loan into our rocks crushing business because it is the crushing of rocks we understand. We will buy the small rocks from the Chinese Company and dump them on the roadside for sale for business purposes. And the rocks that we are crushing we will use the sale for our food money and other minor activities,’’ they uttered. 

‘‘Whatever we generate from the sale of the small rocks will be used to pay back the loan and improve our entire rock crushing business,’’ they said.

They expressed the hope that the government will consider their appeal so as to bring relief to them – the Louisiana Women Rock Crushers.

Monrovia – Residents of the DU-Neezo Community in Jacob Town on Saturday held a meeting with Montserrado County District #2 Representative, Sekou S. Kanneh, to address the deteriorating condition of the main access road connecting Jacob Town, Nicky’s, City View, and Weins Town.

By George K. Momo Contributing Writer 

The meeting brought together a cross-section of community members and was aimed at highlighting their concerns and identifying practical solutions to the longstanding issue of poor road infrastructure in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, the General Chairman of the DU-Neezo Community Development, Mr. Livingstone J. Gballai, outlined several challenges affecting the approximately ten communities within the DU-Neezo area. 

He cited incidents of deaths during medical emergencies, miscarriages among pregnant women, and difficulties faced by students commuting to and from school.

He also emphasized the mobility challenges experienced by persons living with disabilities, particularly those at the Mission of Hope for the Disabled.

According to Mr. Gballai, the road project was officially launched on July 19, 2020, following a groundbreaking ceremony led by former President George M. Weah. 

The project was awarded to Solid Rock Construction Company, with an initial completion timeline of six months. The initiative had raised hopes for improved transportation, enhanced business opportunities, better healthcare access, and overall community development.

“The road was promised to ensure safer travel, better business, improved healthcare access, and a better life for our people,” Gballai stated. “Today, we are witnessing the opposite of hope and development.” He further noted that although construction commenced, it was abruptly halted, reportedly due to the death of the head of the contracting firm. During the 2023 general elections campaign period, another company, Cement and Steel, resumed work on the project, but that effort also stalled without any clear communication to the community.

“There have been repeated assurances that the project would be captured in the national budget, yet years later, there is no visible progress on this critical development initiative,” he added.

In response, Representative Sekou S. Kanneh assured residents of his commitment to addressing their concerns.

He pledged to collaborate with community leaders and relevant government authorities to explore viable options for completing the road project and improving infrastructure in the area.

Representative Kanneh, who has previously supported local development initiatives, including the donation of construction materials and financial assistance for the reconstruction of the Zone #9 Depot #4 Police Station in City View, reaffirmed his dedication to the welfare of his constituents.

The DU-Neezo Community has long struggled with poor road conditions, significantly limiting access to essential services. Residents remain hopeful that the intervention of their district Representative will lead to meaningful and lasting improvements.

MONROVIA – Prominent businessman Tony Lawah, widely known as Abacha, has strongly denied any involvement in the Feb. 21, 2026 eviction at New Georgia Junction, describing reports linking him to the incident as “false, misleading, and devilish.”

Speaking at a press conference over the weekend, Lawah said he was compelled to respond to what he called “disgusting lies and propaganda” aimed at damaging his reputation and shielding those responsible for the eviction.

“It is with a great deal of professional pain and disappointment that I invite you all here today to deliver this brief remark in response to disgusting lies and propaganda against my name and personalities in some devilish attempt to cover up for their reckless action carried out against some of my good friends and neighbors for many years in the New Georgia Junction area,” his office stated.

Eviction Turns Violent

Lawah recounted that the eviction, carried out by a court sheriff with the support of officers of the Liberia National Police, escalated into a chaotic and emotional scene.

According to him, families and property owners were seen on live broadcasts pleading for help as the situation turned violent.

“While it is true that I do not in any way stand against the enforcement of the court mandate and the rule of law but as a human myself, I felt sad like most of you seeing people losing their investment and homes in just a single day, something they built over years,” he said.

Rejects Allegations, Claims Smear Campaign

The businessman said he began noticing what he described as coordinated media reports falsely naming him as the orchestrator of the eviction, including claims that he was using a single land deed to seize properties across Gardnerville.

“Fellow Liberians, I want to categorically state through these medium that I, Mr. Tony Lawah AKA Abacha, I have no idea to, no connection with nor am I a party to the Feb. 21, 2026 New Georgia Junction Eviction,” he clarified. “Any news or report on the contrary is false, misleading and devilish.”

He urged citizens to demand proof from anyone invoking his name in land disputes.

“I also want to clarify that and admonish my fellow citizens, that whenever people come to evict you and call my name as the person behind it, please ask them to show you the evidence and prove to be sure of what they are telling you,” he added.

Accuses ‘Wicked Elements’ of Land Grabbing

Lawah alleged that unnamed individuals are exploiting vulnerable residents while using his identity as cover.

He described the actors as “wicked elements” abusing power to seize land from “poor and powerless people,” while creating tension between him and communities.

He maintained that his long-standing presence in the area reflects his commitment to community support and lawful conduct.

“As a Christian and God-fearing son of Jehovah, I will never act outside of the law and abuse the rights of my fellow human beings,” he said.

Points to Court Records

Providing details of the legal basis for the eviction, Lawah cited a writ of possession issued by the Civil Law Court during its December Term A.D. 2025.

According to him, the case involves Chauncey Morris, through his attorney-in-fact Robert Morris and Andrea Morris, as plaintiffs, against Amos Daweyea, Mulbah Bayon, Ma Vat and others as defendants.

“Members of the press, do you hear or see my name on this? So why was my name in a picture being used?” he asked. “This is evil and dangerous to my life and safety.”

Calls for Accountability

Lawah warned that the continued use of his name in connection with the eviction poses a threat to his safety and reputation, reiterating that he prefers dialogue over destruction.

“For far too long I have been wrongfully accused by these people with hidden agenda and my name continues to be used as a scapegoat in places and communities I have no dealings with like in the case of the New Georgia Junction eviction,” he said. “They are all lies in the absence of evidence and facts linking me to it. I would rather negotiate with people instead of demolishing their lives and hopes in very wicked manner.”

Monrovia – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Liberia, Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to Honorable Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, at the Executive Mansion.

The meeting marked an opportunity to congratulate Hon. Stevquoah on his recent appointment and to reaffirm UNDP’s commitment to supporting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision of inclusive, community-driven development.

Discussions centered on scaling up the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP), advancing Liberia’s climate and environmental agenda, and strengthening institutional coordination through the President’s Delivery Unit (PDU).

“We want to help the President deliver a legacy where development reaches people on the ground. Through the ACDP, our goal is to ensure visible results at the community level—improved access to water, health, education, roads, and livelihoods,” said Mr. Dia.

Mr. Dia shared successful examples of UNDP-supported community development models in countries such as Togo and the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting their transformative impact.

He highlighted Liberia’s progress under the ACDP, including the ongoing renovation of the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital in Lofa County.

On climate action, Mr. Dia reiterated UNDP’s support for Liberia’s environmental priorities, including collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to access international climate finance and develop frameworks for carbon market engagement.

“Liberia has enormous carbon potential. We are working with the EPA to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks and are currently implementing major projects with the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility,” he said.

Hon. Stevquoah welcomed the UNDP delegation and expressed appreciation for the organization’s longstanding partnership. He emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding the ACDP to deliver quick-impact projects and sustainable development outcomes.

“The ACDP is a flagship initiative that the President is deeply invested in. We are eager to fast-track implementation, evaluate progress, and align new initiatives with national priorities,” Hon. Stevquoah stated.

He also outlined plans to establish a Climate Finance Office and enhance Liberia’s capacity to benefit from global carbon markets.

Hon. Stevquoah briefed the delegation on the restructuring of the President’s Delivery Unit, which will now report directly to the President and focus on tracking priority projects.

“The PDU is critical to ensuring effective implementation and timely reporting of presidential initiatives. We welcome UNDP’s support in strengthening performance management and coordination across government,” he said.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing Liberia’s development agenda through inclusive, transparent, and results-oriented partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to the Liberian people.

Mr. Dia was accompanied by Mr. Stanley Kanmara, Head of UNDP’s Inclusive Governance Pillar and Mr. Boye Johnson, Programme Analyst, Inclusive Governance Pillar, and Interim Manager of the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP).

Public Works Minister Roland L. Giddings has been formally invited to serve as Keynote Speaker at program marking the installation of the new corps of officers of the Caldwell Visionaries for Restoration and Development (CAVIRD).

CAVIRD was established in 2022 by sons and daughters of Caldwell for the sole purpose of helping to restore lost values and contribute toward development programs and projects in Caldwell.

CAVIRD membership targets individuals who lived in the township of Caldwell prior to the civil war and has the desire to give back to the community as an appreciation for the positive environmental impact Caldwell made on their lives.

The installation program, which takes place on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 4:30PM in the auditorium of St. Maria Goretti High School, Upper Caldwell, Township of Caldwell, will be a significant event in the forward march of the organization as it will mark the second installation for tenure positions of elected officers.

During the program, funds will be raised to help support the organization’s charity program to the sick & needy, community engagement on drugs, sanitation and other emerging concerns.

Rev. Nelson D. Quaye, Founder of the Grace Christian Fellowship Ministries incorporated in Liberia will serve as the Installing Officer.

Meanwhile, those to be installed are Mr. John Adolphus Woods, President, Mrs. Patience Yates Warner, Vice President, Mrs. Lottie Sesay Jallah, Secretary, Mrs. Uomah Brown Witherspoon, Financial Secretary, Ms. Albertine Capehart, Treasurer and Mrs. Catherine Doe Kromah, Chaplain.

Paynesville – Barely one week following the mass campaign against drug-trafficking and addiction held under the banner “Say No to Drugs,” the battle seems rigid and far from ending anytime soon.

By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

Since the much-publicized campaign, dealers of illicit drugs are still continuing their bad deals with several young men in Liberia tragically losing their lives due to complications linked to drug addiction, particularly the abuse of synthetic substances such as “Kush” and other narcotics.

The latest, the Soul Clinic Community in Paynesville, outside Monrovia woke up to one of the saddest news on Wednesday morning as two promising young men lost their precious lives to unidentified illicit substances, while two others were left unconscious and rushed to nearby health facility.

Community sources who trooped to the scene in their numbers informed FrontPage Africa that the victims, believed to be in their mid-twenties, had struggled with prolonged substance dependence.

According to them, the deaths of the two young Liberians might have been as a result of fatal overdoses or intake of a new substance, which their system had not adjusted to.

Since the end of Liberia’s 14-year civil war in 2003, drug addiction and trafficking have remained among the nation’s most pressing challenges. Users of illicit substances, commonly known as “zogo,” frequently face severe health deterioration, mental instability, and even death.

Medical professionals have continuously warned that the rise in illicit drug use among the youth is becoming a public health emergency, citing limited rehabilitation facilities, poor mental health support, and widespread drug availability as key drivers of the crisis.

During the recent “Say No To Drugs” match, campaigners and rights advocates reiterated their calls to the Government of Liberia to intensify anti-drug enforcement, improve rehabilitation programs, and launch aggressive public awareness campaigns to prevent further loss of young lives.

The deaths of the two young men and others across the country could exacerbate further national concern over Liberia’s escalating drug problem, which many fear could wipe out an entire generation if urgent action is not taken.

Speaking to this paper at the dreadful scene, anti-drug campaigner, Anthony Zogar called on the Liberian government to ensure the full implementation of the Drugs Law.

“Today it is too alarming to see our young brothers lying down here dead due to drug addiction. This is a sign of what we have been crying for. This is the sign that when nothing is done within the next five years, we will have no generation to lead the young people that are coming up. If this continues, we will have no carpenters, we will have no doctors, we will have no plumbers in the future,” asserted Zogar.

Zogar also called on all Liberians to take the fight against drugs very seriously so as to alleviate the proliferation of substance use.

Zogar, who is the Executive Director of the advocacy group – Students Against Drugs, urged the people of Paynesville to emulate the example of other communities to replicate it in the city by taking bold and proactive steps in the battle.

Also in conversation with this paper, an anti-drug campaigner of the Destiny Recovery Program, Paul Boayue, described as saddened, the painful deaths of the two youth.

One of the deceased, Boayue disclosed, had just recovered from the rehabilitation program of the Destiny Recovery Program, before sadly returning to the ghettos, where he met his heart-jerking demise.

“One of the victims (name withheld), had recently completed recovery at our rehabilitation center, but returned to the ghettoes within no time. This is devastating and disappointing,” narrated Boayue.

“He was okay, he was fine. We even conducted his test and it proved negative so we had to discharge him from the center. I am highly disappointed to see him lying dead after all.”

Like Zogar, Boayue also called for a holistic fight against trafficking and addiction to set the country free.

“This is a holistic fight; it’s not about the government alone. It’s about the community, it’s about civil society organizations, it’s about the media, it’s about everyone; it’s everyone’s business. It’s about local community leadership, it’s about teachers and it’s about parents,” added the anti-drug campaigner.

Youth addiction and neighborhood safety: Women’s and civil society groups describe hundreds of informal “dens” across the capital and a rising share of youths affected, which residents of Soul Clinic and adjacent communities experience as theft, street disorder, and school dropouts.

Mental-health and treatment gaps: Paynesville houses the country’s only dedicated psychiatric hospital (E.S. Grant on Du Port Road), but treatment capacity and affordability remain limited compared with need, pushing many families to manage addiction at home or rely on church/NGO outreach.

MONROVIA, Liberia – Former Deputy Education Minister Ambassador Latim Dathong brought joy, inspiration, and tangible support to more than 300 children during Liberia’s 178th Independence Day, using the celebration as a platform to inspire hope and purpose in young minds.

The event, held at the Shatim Event Center in Paynesville, blended fun and philanthropy, featuring the distribution of toys, meals, school supplies, and snacks to children from various communities. Accompanied by his wife, Madam Shameem Mutesi Dathong, and their children, Dathong encouraged the young attendees to rise above their circumstances and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

“My only message to you is: don’t stop dreaming, don’t stop believing, and never stop chasing your goals,” he told the crowd. “Your current condition doesn’t define your future.”

The day began with quiz competitions focused on Bible knowledge and Liberian history, where winning teams earned trophies, medals, and educational supplies. Beyond entertainment, the event served as a reminder of purpose and faith, with Dathong urging the youth to see Independence Day as a symbol of freedom and limitless potential.

“Some of you will become doctors, entertainers, teachers, politicians, and more,” he said. “Nothing can stop the plans God has for you.”

He also praised his wife and the organizing team for their compassion and effort, and singled out Rashell Scott, founder of the White House Foundation, for her dedication to humanitarian service at a young age.

“Your decision to give back instead of indulging in personal luxury speaks volumes,” he told Scott. “You inspire not just your peers, but people like me.”

Reflecting on Liberia’s political journey, Dathong cited the rise of President George Weah, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and President Joseph Boakai as examples of what perseverance and vision can achieve. He noted that many children present are in better conditions than these leaders were in their youth.

With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Dathong reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, promising to continue supporting students through scholarships and mentorship—free of political agenda.

“I’ve committed myself to helping underprivileged youth. That’s what brings me happiness,” he said. “With the support of my wife, I’ll keep working to give our young people access to opportunities both locally and internationally.”

In closing, he led the children in a pledge of self-belief and leadership, challenging them to become the nation’s next generation of changemakers.

ACCRA, Ghana – The Coordinator of the Community Land Protection Program (CLPP) at the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) is calling on CSOs and individuals working in the land sector of Liberia to take advantage of the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) Alumni Program.

NELGA strengthens human and institutional capacities for the implementation of the African Union (AU) Agenda on Land. NELGA supports African governments, policymakers and civil society by helping them gain substantial and evidence-based knowledge and network with land governance experts. It aims to enhance academic curricula, provide training, and foster a network of expertise on land governance across the continent. 

Mr. Daniel B. Wehyee speaking over the weekend upon his return from a five-day conference, July 7-11, 2025 in Accra, Ghana on NELGA, indicated that the NELGA Alumni program has a huge opportunity that actors in land governance and other sectors can take advantage of in improving themselves in order to provide the needed impact of service to communities and the country.  

At the conference, SDI was officially admitted into the NELGA. The event took place under the theme: “Maximizing Impact through NELGA Alumni Networks Collaboration of NELGA and Strategic Partners on Land Governance.”

The German International Cooperation (GIZ) program strengthening Advisory Capacities for Land Governance in Africa (SLGA) and the German Academic Excellence Service (DAAD) organized the gathering to bring together alumni of NELGA, International Experts, university representatives, and key partners to explore ways to strengthen collaboration and maximize impact in the land governance.

Over seventy (70) participants from Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Tunisia, South Africa, Zimbabwe respectively attended the conference.   

Participants at the conference gained new skills and knowledge to enhance their land governance initiatives as the result of several topics presented. Topics such as Fundraising Strategy and Alumni Networks, fundraising through Universities & Academic institutions, Mobilizing Funding from the Private Sector and NGOs, Monitoring Programmes, building a Career in Consultancy: Skills, Opportunities, and Entrepreneurship formed part of the presentations.  These topics facilitated by seasoned university professors and specialists served as eye openers for several of the participants who included PhD students, researchers, civil society organization leaders.

Mr. Wehyee emphasized that such global and regional opportunity should be holistically embraced; which he said will enhance land governance in the country. The land governance expert further maintained that the NELGA in line with its objective connects experts, offers training opportunities, and facilitates the exchange of best practices across the continent.

He said “Participating in this network not only broadens our understanding, but also empowers us to implement more effective land management strategies. It’s an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Wehyee has extended special thanks to SDI’s Management Team and the International Land Forest Tenure Facility for affording him time to participate in such an educative initiative.

He recognized the tremendous effort employed by the DAAD, GIZ and NELGA teams that ensured perfect conduct of the activities and funding support that contributed to his participation. Mr. Wehyee has further pledged to work towards bringing Alumni members of Liberia in an effort to create awareness of the Network so other Liberians can benefit.   

GBOR JIMMY TOWN – A community forest in Grand Bassa County bordering Nimba has threatened to stop a logging company’s operation for failing to deliver on development projects, barely two months after protesting for the same reason.

The Grand Bassa District 3 B&C Community Forest has vowed to stop the West Water Group Liberia’s operations for failing to deliver on community projects.

“We will stop their operation until the community gets all its benefits. We will hold onto their machines and prevent them from working,” said Jeremiah Whoe, the community leadership head.

“West Water lied to us. They told us that they would do five hand pumps, 25 market tables, build a junior high school, and maintain the two Bassa-Gio roads in the first five years, but none of those things happened.” 

In April 2021, District 3 B&C Community Forest signed a 15-year logging contract with West Water, a Chinese-owned company. The community leased 24,175 hectares of woodland to West Wood in exchange for hand pumps, roads, and a school.

However, West Water has not lived up to its promises. Four years after signing the contract, it owes the community a substantial amount in land rental, educational benefits and other fees.

By Franklin Nehyalor and Emmanuel Sherman, with The DayLight 

Between April 2021 and now, West Water has only constructed three out of eight hand pumps, according to community leaders. It owes US$4,500 for health and educational benefits, US$17,000 for land rental, and an unknown amount for the timber it harvested.

The planned protest would be the second in about four months.  In March, the community staged a protest, halting West Water’s operations following several failed attempts to get their benefits. The protest ended after county authorities intervened, with the company making new commitments.   

“We are demanding West Water to pay the remaining land rental and cubic meter fees, complete all major projects earmarked, and provide all community benefits before it continues operations here,” said Jeremiah Whoe, the community leader.

Meanwhile, as tension rises against West Water, the Nyuinwein Administrative District Development Association (NADDA), a local pressure group, is threatening court action.

“NADDA intends to push arbitration because the company cannot be trusted,” said Omega Jimmy, an NADDA executive. West Water did not respond to The DayLight’s request for comments.

The District 3B&C-West Water deal is one of the most controversial in forestry. In 2024, a DayLight investigation found it had exported 797 logs that it had illegally harvested.

Exporting timber without community benefits violates the Community Rights Law of 2009 and the Regulation on Forest Fees. The law and the regulation require that communities manage and benefit from forest resources, mandating companies to settle with communities before shipment.

This story was a Community of Forest and Environmental Journalists of Liberia (CoFEJ) production. It first appeared in The DayLight and has been republished here as part of an editorial collaboration.