Liberia: Bong - Gbarney Residents Accuse Mining Company of Poisoning Creek

What the report says

Residents of Gbarney, in Jorquelleh District, Bong County, Liberia, say they are relying on a single functioning hand pump for drinking water after banning use of a nearby creek they believe was contaminated by Hurien Mining Company operations. The report from The Liberian Investigator, distributed by AllAfrica, says the town has more than 1,300 people and about 365 homes, while two of its three hand pumps reportedly run dry often, leaving the community short of safe water.

Town Chief Oldman Dulkly said the creek had been the main backup source until 2024, when residents began reporting skin problems and prolonged diarrhea after using it. He told the newspaper that some people, including children, became ill and that a few deaths were alleged, though he acknowledged those claims have not been medically confirmed and no health authority has examined the cases. Residents now use the creek only for bathing and washing, and some say they still develop rashes even after boiling the water.

Hurien Mining Company’s human resources officer, Lawrence Sumo, said the firm mines underground and that a scientific test would be needed to determine the cause of the water problem. He urged the community to ask Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency to test the water and said the company wants talks with residents. The article notes the company has already faced regulatory action this year, including shutdowns and suspensions over environmental and mining compliance issues, but says those actions do not prove the creek contamination came from the mine. The community is seeking government intervention to restore safe water access and address the pollution concern.