CBEs Appeal to President for Intervention Against Rising Fees in Liberia
Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) in Liberia are appealing to President Boakai regarding increased operational fees imposed by the MCC and EPA, which threaten their waste management efforts. With rising fees exceeding US$450 and proposals for further increases, CBEs stress the need for government intervention and a comprehensive National Solid Waste Management Policy to enhance sustainability and efficiency in waste management.
Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) in Liberia have been established to improve sanitation by managing solid waste in Monrovia and surrounding areas. Each household contributes a nominal fee of L$50 for daily waste collection and L$800 monthly to support the CBEs in paying workers and repairing equipment. Despite these efforts, over a dozen CBEs have sought intervention from President Joseph Boakai regarding escalating operational fees imposed by the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are compromising their sustainability.
The National Association of Primary Waste Community-Based Enterprises (N-A-C-O-B-E) reported a significant increase in the fees: the MCC raised the solid waste operator authorization annual fee to US$450, while the EPA raised its permit fee to US$840. Additionally, municipal authorities in Paynesville and Monrovia intend to raise the tipping fee to L$600. These rising costs are proving detrimental to the CBEs’ operations, prompting their appeal to the President for assistance.
Pastor Z. Augustus P. Yarbah, Secretary General of NACOBE, expressed the desire to meet with President Boakai to present a proposal focused on recycling and composting initiatives aimed at resource recovery and waste reduction. He also emphasized the need for the government to establish a National Solid Waste Management Policy that addresses the significance of sustainable waste management practices. “A comprehensive policy is needed to guide the development of a sustainable waste management system,” said Pastor Yarbah, highlighting the importance of investment in waste collection vehicles, transfer stations, and modern landfills.
The CBEs in Liberia face significant challenges due to rising fees imposed by the MCC and EPA, which threaten their operational viability and ability to provide essential waste management services. The appeal to President Boakai underscores the urgency to revise these fees and develop a cohesive National Solid Waste Management Policy to support sustainable practices in waste management. Effective intervention and policy development are crucial for the improvement of sanitation and public health in the region.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
