Monrovia, Liberia – Due to chronic violations of EPA laws, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has closed a number of mineral water facilities in Sinkor and the surrounding areas, expressing grave concerns for the environment and public health.
The affected facilities were operating without full environmental compliance, including failing to meet wastewater management standards, improperly handling production by-products, and lacking valid environmental permits as required by Liberia’s environmental laws, according to routine and targeted inspections that preceded the closures.
Royalty Aqua Mineral Water Company on Old Road behind Kailondo; Jolly Jolly Mineral Water in Airfield, Lakpazee; Kro-Tou Mineral Water, Gboni Mineral Water, Jafene Mineral Water, and Jan’s Spring Mineral Water, all situated in Sinkor’s Airfield neighborhood; and Mount Wologisi Mineral Water Factory on 20th Street, Sinkor, are among the factories that were ordered to close.
The EPA claims that these businesses’ ongoing noncompliance presents concerns to nearby residential populations, groundwater contamination, and hazardous waste disposal. The agency stated that in order to safeguard water supplies and prevent production operations from endangering public health, mineral water manufacturers must adhere to stringent environmental regulations.
The EPA emphasized that although the shutdowns are only temporary, they will stay in place until the businesses completely resolve all infractions, carry out the required environmental evaluations, and receive the appropriate certification. Additionally, the EPA cautioned that operators who try to resume production without authorization may face additional legal action.
The EPA reiterates its commitment to protecting Liberia’s environment and people’s health by advising consumers to exercise caution and only buy drinking water from producers who are licensed and adhere to environmental regulations. Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has joined other government representatives at the Liberia National Infrastructure Conference, which is presently being held in Ganta, Nimba County.
“Rebranding and Rebuilding Through Reconstruction” is the theme of the conference, which will take place from January 19 to January 23, 2026. In order to debate Liberia’s infrastructure concerns and development objectives, the event brings together government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Yarkpawolo is attending the conference alongside an EPA team that includes Mr. John K. Jallah Jr., Director for Compliance and Enforcement; Mr. R. Baiyezenah Brown, Inspector General of the EPA; and Mr. Targen P. Daye, Assistant Director for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
Liberia has seen significant setbacks during the last 20 years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola outbreak, and the civil war. These difficulties brought to light significant infrastructure deficiencies and emphasized the necessity of robust, inclusive, and sustainable growth.
The ARREST Agenda, which emphasizes agriculture, roads, the rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism, is being implemented by the Liberian government to address these problems. This agenda seeks to advance equitable growth and national development and is in line with both Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Targen P. Daye and Mr. John K. Jallah Jr. will participate in a panel discussion on “Building Resilient Infrastructure, Enhancing Road Connectivity, and Integrating Climate Change” on the third day of the conference. The panel discussion will center on creating robust infrastructure, enhancing road systems, and making sure that national development planning takes climate change concerns into account.
It is anticipated that the conference would offer workable answers to Liberia’s infrastructure issues, particularly with regard to roads, energy, water and sanitation, ICT, urban planning, and climate resilience. Additionally, it aims to promote sustainable development nationwide and bridge the divide between urban and rural people. The EPA’s involvement emphasizes how crucial climate change and environmental preservation are to Liberia’s infrastructure development initiatives.
