By By: Domingo Dargbeh
On Wednesday December 18, 2024, Liberians woke up to the shocking news of a fire Outbreak at the Capitol Building which led to the burning of the Joint Chamber of the Legislature as the cause of the blaze is still under investigation by state officials.
Speaking shortly with the People’s News Paper few minutes after the assessment at the capitol building the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Boss Dr, Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said the EPA deployed a team of environmental scientists to assess the carbon monoxide pollution caused by the fire which included Deputy Executive Director Mr. Dweh Siehwloh Boley, Manage of Environmental Research & Radiation Safety (ERRS) Rafael Ngumbu, and Compliance and Enforcement (C&E)Manager John Jallah.
During their inspection, the EPA team assessed various parts of the building, including the heavily damaged Rotunda, where the joint chambers of the Legislature were burned to ashes.
Dr. Urey-Yarkpawolo expressed deep concern over the extent of the destruction. “We observed areas that are highly polluted, mainly in the Rotunda. The joint chamber was burned to ashes. We have advised the investigation team on safety measures, but the impacts of this damage will be felt for a long time,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of environmental safety during the ongoing investigation, noting that high levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants pose risks to those working at the site.
Authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze and the full extent of the environmental and structural damage.
By Reporter Domingo Dargbeh
dargbehdomingo@gmail.com
