By: Kerper M Soclor
An Environment Group, Green Planet Environmental Services, is urging Liberians both at home and abroad to prioritize waste management as part of efforts to promote clean cities and strengthen the Country’s tourism sector.
Speaking to our reporter over the weekend, the Founder and Chief Operatibg Officer, Gabriel Nyarko stressed the importance of effective waste management in developing countries like Liberia, in order to attract tourism and improving public health.
“We cannot be a tourist Country when we cannot clean ourselves,” Nyarko said.
He explained that over the years his organization has remained actively engaged in waste management initiatives across the country.
He noted that limited public education and awareness continue to undermine progress in the sector.
He urged the Liberian government to work closely with stakeholders in the waste management sector to ensure that the Country aligns with international sanitation standards.
The environmental advocate also called for the implementation and enforcement of stronger policies aimed at improving Liberia’s waste management system.
“In the absence of education, awareness, and the right policies, those of us providing waste management services will continue to face serious challenges,” he said.
Nyarko further praised former Representative, Edward Karfiah for contributing more than 50 acres of land through the Green Gas Eco Solution initiative, which he described as an alternative waste management site when existing landfill facilities become overwhelmed.
He noted that before the establishment of the Green Gas Eco Solution, his institution often encountered difficulties whenever the landfill provided by the Monrovia City Corporation reached capacity.
Waste management continues to be a major concern across Liberia.
Recently, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, decried dirtiness of Monrovia and it’s environs. Her remarks reportedly sparked debate after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai defended ongoing sanitation efforts under his administration.
Sanitation remains one of the key priorities under President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, with the government emphasizing environmental cleanliness and sustainable urban development as part of its national development strategy.
Observers say achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean cities, health and environmental sustainability, will require stronger collaboration between government institutions, private sector actors, and local communities.
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