Lawmaker alarms illegal mining in Gbarpolu

Gbarpolu County district #2 Representative Kaino Wesso alarms over influx of illegal miners in his county. Speaking to reporters at the Capitol on Monday, 21 May Rep. Wesso specifically points to the presence of Ghanaians and other nationals, who he says have invaded the county.

He says as a result of illegal mining, citizens of Gbarpolu are not benefiting proceeds from the mining and natural resources there. He says as direct representative of the people, he has reported the matter to the Minister of Mines and Energy, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) and other revenant authorities for possible redress.
Rep. Wesso clarifies that he is not against mining activities in the county, but it should be done legally, wherein citizens would benefit directly.

He notes that it is surprising that the miners are involved in high grade mining with heavy machine without going through the rightful channel with government, so the country losses.

According to him, in some places in Gbarpolu County, the people lack safe drinking water, adding, they drink from the same creek they wash and fish from, which is not safe for drinking.

By Bridgett Milton-Editing by Jonathan Browne