Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) in Liberia are struggling with increased fees from the Monrovia City Corporation and Environmental Protection Agency, jeopardizing their waste management efforts. They are appealing to President Joseph Boakai for assistance, urging the creation of a National Solid Waste Management Policy to enhance resource recovery and bolster waste management sustainability.
In Liberia, Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) have been established in Monrovia to mitigate health risks and economic challenges associated with solid waste management. Each household pays a nominal fee of L$50.00 daily and L$800 monthly to support the waste collection efforts. These funds contribute towards sustaining operations, including worker salaries and equipment maintenance.
However, over a dozen CBEs are expressing concern regarding the escalating operational fees imposed by the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which threaten their viability. They have called upon President Joseph Boakai to intervene in the situation that is severely affecting their operations.
The National Association of Primary Waste Community Based Enterprises (N-A-C-O-B-E) highlights that the MCC has increased its annual authorization fee for solid waste operators to US$450.00, while the EPA has raised its permit fees to US$840.00. Additionally, municipal authorities intend to increase the tipping fee to L$600, prompting CBEs to seek assistance from the President due to the financial burdens these fees impose.
Pastor Z. Augustus P. Yarbah, Secretary General of NACOBE, has indicated a desire to present a proposal to the President concerning recycling, composting, and developing a National Solid Waste Management Policy that emphasizes resource recovery and waste reduction to enhance economic stability. According to Pastor Yarbah, the implementation of a comprehensive policy is essential to create an effective and sustainable waste management system, which would necessitate investments in collection vehicles, transfer stations, and modern landfills.
The challenges faced by Community-Based Enterprises in Liberia concerning the rising fees imposed by various authorities are critical to their continued operation. The appeal for President Joseph Boakai’s intervention underscores the need for a sustainable approach to waste management. Establishing a National Solid Waste Management Policy could significantly improve both operational conditions for CBEs and community health outcomes.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
