SHUT DOWN

Othello Sarweh Nimely

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‎MONROVIA– Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday January 20, 2026 shut down several mineral water production facilities in Monrovia following an inspection and enforcement exercise aimed at protecting public health and the environment.

‎‎The operation carried on by the EPA’s Inspectorate Division, targets mineral water bottling plants and plastic production facilities that pose risks to environmental safety and consumer health.

‎‎According to the Agency, the exercise is intended to ensure full compliance with national environmental regulations, including proper waste disposal, hygienic production processes, and the protection of underground and surface water sources.

‎‎The enforcement action comes amid growing public concern over the quality of drinking water on the Liberian market. Recent reports have suggested that some bottled water products may be unsafe for consumption, having been produced under poor sanitary conditions and in ways that threaten the environment.

‎‎Facilities affected by the shutdown are Gboni Mineral Water, Krou Tou Mineral Water, Jafene, and Jan’s Spring Mineral Water. All of the companies are located in the Airfield, Sinkor area of Monrovia.

‎‎EPA inspectors reportedly found multiple violations ranging from poor hygiene standards to improper waste management practices and failure to meet environmental compliance requirements.

‎‎The EPA emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to safeguard the environment, protect water sources from contamination, and prevent potential public health emergencies.

‎The Agency warned that inspections and possible closures will continue across Monrovia and other parts of the country until full compliance is achieved.

‎‎Water pollution remains a serious public health challenge in Liberia. Health experts note that contaminated water has contributed to the spread of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, and other gastrointestinal infections, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.

‎These illnesses place additional strain on the country’s already challenged healthcare system and underscore the need for strict regulation of drinking water production.

‎‎The EPA stated that unregulated discharge of waste, poor sanitation at production sites, and unsafe sourcing of water can contaminate groundwater and nearby communities, increasing the risk of widespread disease outbreaks.

‎‎Meanwhile, the management of some of the affected mineral water facilities declined to comment when contacted by the press. However, representatives of the companies promised to issue formal statements at a later time.

‎‎The EPA has urged the public to remain vigilant, purchase water products from reputable and compliant producers, and report suspected environmental or public health violations to the relevant authorities.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.