By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Monrovia, Liberia – In a decisive move to reclaim and restore the dignity of one of Liberia’s most historic burial sites, the Government of Liberia, through the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), has officially banned the use of Palm Grove Cemetery as a garbage disposal site. For years, the once-revered cemetery, a resting place for some of Liberia’s most notable historical figures, had been transformed into a makeshift landfill, with mountains of waste piling up amidst the graves. The MCC had initially permitted its temporary use for waste holding while refurbishing Monrovia’s primary solid waste transfer stations at Stockton Creek and Fiamah. But now, that period is over – effective January 29, 2025, the dumping stops!
To enforce this mandate, the MCC has directed Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs) and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to transport all collected waste to designated disposal sites at Fiamah and Stockton Creek. Additionally, residents living around Palm Grove Cemetery are being urged to desist from illegal dumping, as violators will face a $100 fine, in accordance with City Ordinance #7. This measure aligns with long-standing laws, including Municipal City Ordinance Number One (1975), Ordinance Number Seven (1988), and the Environmental Protection and Management Laws (2002).
Monrovia has long struggled with waste management issues, with streets often littered with garbage due to improper disposal practices. The MCC is now calling on all residents to register with CBEs and SMEs for proper garbage collection services, ensuring a cleaner and healthier city for all. The message from city officials is clear: “No more trash in Palm Grove Cemetery!” Authorities have vowed strict enforcement of this mandate, sending a strong signal that Monrovia is serious about waste management.
Will this move mark a turning point in the city’s fight against pollution? Or will old habits die hard? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – Palm Grove Cemetery is off-limits for garbage, once and for all!
