The peninsula of West Point is gradually eroding into the Atlantic Ocean. For decades, West Point has suffered and continues to be in a dilapidated state of serious environmental problem. It is perhaps the worst community in Monrovia from an environment standpoint. The fact remains that the community is gradually washing away into an unthinkable impasse. Until some immediate and sound environmental measures are taken, we may not be as lucky as the case with the Waterside Bridge collapsed.

According to Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), West Point is a slum located in a peninsula in Monrovia. Over 75,000 people live under very poor conditions. The small piece of land called West Point lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the center of Liberia’s political capital, Monrovia. By estimation, West Point is less than 10 miles away from the Executive Mansion and Capitol Building, but less than 5 minutes from the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).  

West Point, like many other communities in Liberia, has its share of the major environmental problems worsened by the 14 years of a senseless war. During the heap of the civil war, West Point attracted more people because of its self-proclamation as being a safe haven. Its environmental problems are mounting profoundly, including the imminent threat of water erosion. This menace gradually washes away and severely undermines West Point’s foundation. This means the uninhabitable slum is at the brink of a major environmental catastrophe.

Unfortunately, no one pays any attention to the creeping environmental disaster – as was the case with the collapsed Waterside Bridge. Neither the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) nor the Government of Liberia has had little or no plan to preclude any problems since the early 1980s. West Point has maintained a marginalized settlement status and virtually forgotten or neglected by the Monrovia City Corporation with respect to development.

                         

               Aerial view of an eroded West Point: Courtesy JRS

According to the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the World Bank financed a $10-million project in Monrovia to improve water supply, sanitation, and drainage in the 1980s. Refuge collection and other environmental concerns were indicated in project to address the West Point crisis, specifically.

In spite of all of the financial provision clearly visible now in West Point are congested zinc shacks, which lacks toilet and pipe-borne water. There is hardly any access to road, and ventilation is very poor due to competition for building spaces.  About 97% of the structures are built without solid foundation. Half of those are built on un-engineered stabilized garbage piles.

In a UNICEF and University of Liberia sponsored report, the health situation is hindered largely by congestion resulting from over population, which leads to the increase of child tuberculosis and terrible hygienic problems. The increase of mosquito's population significantly contributes to malaria.

A recent study was allegedly done on West Point’s erosion and environmental problems. Recommendations were reportedly made to authorities to consider relocating the residents of West Point because of the potential threat. To date, nothing has claimed the attention of the appropriate authorities.

From Liberia Environmental Watch’s physical visual assessment, there is a steady wave of erosion that is washing away the banks. Any long-term measures, such as building a levee to prevent the erosion, could be financially costly as compared to relocating West Pointers in moderate, environmentally friendly homes.

Very painful are the weary faces of children, the future leaders of our country that are content with hopelessness for the lack of options or alternatives to life. Even their parents or guardians lack the capacity to help protect them from such health hazards and ultimate deathtraps set for them in their squalid, makeshift tents.

West Point needs urgent help – it is the government that should be decisive in its action to preserve the little that is left of the slum called West Point. The government must relocate West Point sooner than later.

 

Morris T. Koffa, is Executive Director, Liberia Environmental Watch, Inc www.liberiaenvironmentalwatch.org

koffamkoffa@aol.com

240-417-2545