Liberia's Nagging Erosion Problem Needs Our Urgent Attention

by Tewroh-Wehtoe Sungbeh
Mon. February 17, 2003

I really don't know how to begin this article, because the issue you are reading about at this moment is too close to my heart.

The problem is so mind-boggling it's hard to believe that my beloved Liberia, already a victim of wanton neglect and civil wars is also a victim of erosion. If something isn't done about Liberia as quickly as possible all of that country will submerge eventually into the Atlantic Ocean, in years to come.

That's why it is imperative the erosion issue is put on the front burner for discussion. Hopefully, a healthy dialogue will lead us to discuss strategies; what to do about it, who to talk to about it, and how Liberians can put away their political, religious and ethnic differences in order to find achievable solutions to the nagging erosion problem that's starring right in our faces.

The erosion problem that's threatening the existence of our country needs the urgent attention of our entire political leaderships in Monrovia, the presidential candidates wannabe living overseas and the ones in Liberia.

Those presidential candidates wannabe are not talking erosion right now, because their singular focus has been to replace the much-hated Charles Taylor, which is not a bad idea at all. In the wake of our constant desire to remove Charles Taylor out of the Executive Mansion, our politicians seem to ignore other aspects of our existence, which is to protect and defend the Republic of Liberia on all fronts.

That part of our existence defines us, highlights our limitations and exposes us to barrage of criticisms that Liberians are all politics and no substance.

Just take an imaginary look at coastal Liberia. From Western Liberia, starting from Grand Cape Mount County, down to the Southern counties of Montserrado and Grand Bassa, to the Southeastern counties of Sinoe, Maryland and Grand Kru. Homes that were once built along those seashores have all been destroyed by erosion. Beaches that were once the pride and joy of Liberia have all evaporated.

Parts of the famous Mississippi Street in Greenville, Sinoe County is under water. Fanti Towns in Sinoe, Cape Mount, Maryland and Montserrado Counties are all gone to erosion. Hotel Africa in Brewerville is threatened by the sea. D-Twe High School in New Kru Town is close to sinking under water. Part of New Kru Town, Point 4, Corner West and the Coast Guard Base are gone to the sea, while half or all of West Point is under water.

Years ago for example, when we were kids, it took miles upon miles, a grueling distance to walk, let say, from the heart of New Kru Town to Point 4 beach to Corner West, near the Coast Guard Base. Now that distance has been reduced drastically, because the sea that was once far off back then, is now in one's face because of erosion. And that's scary, indeed.

Those who study erosion defines it as the detachment and movement of soil. According to the experts, erosion could be natural and is accelerated by human activity, (overgrazing and unsuitable cultivation practices), which can leave the land vulnerable during times of heavy rainfall or windstorms.
Because of the proximity of our country to the ocean, Liberia is susceptible to flooding and submergence when there is a sudden rise in sea level.

According to erosion experts, rising sea level elevates ocean surface allowing waves to reach further up the beaches. By changing shapes on developed shorelines, beaches have little space to adjust. And when that happens, there is a possibility of increased erosion.

Since erosion is caused by human activities, it is widely believed that the way the Port of Monrovia (NPA) was built - poor engineering and improper planning can also be blamed for our problems. Others attribute our erosion problems to digging - that is the digging of sands from the beaches to make concrete and build homes.

Whatever is causing the erosion crisis in Liberia cannot be overlooked. We have to stop being one-dimensional in our politics and the way we see and do things. We can still fight to overthrow a dictatorial president while addressing a serious crisis of erosion that is threatening the existence of our beloved country.

The erosion problem that's destroying Liberia can only get a boost when we constantly ignore its devastating effect.

Editor's note: article first published in 2002

Sungbeh Communications 2002