By: Saidu Jalloh
In one of the most significant environmental enforcement actions in recent years, Sierra Leone’s Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has destroyed 199 dredges used for illegal riverbed mining. This crackdown highlights the urgent and growing national environmental crisis that continues to jeopardize Sierra Leone’s rivers, local communities, and future prospects.
Dr. Abu Bakarr Massaquoi, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasized that the figure of 199 dredges is not just a statistic but a stark wake-up call. “We are not only dealing with pollution,” Dr. Massaquoi explained. “This is a national crisis impacting livelihoods, water quality, and entire ecosystems.”
The EPA’s investigations have revealed a disturbing trend: some members of the affected communities are not only aware of the illegal mining activities but are also actively supporting them. Dr. Massaquoi stressed the need for stronger enforcement measures alongside viable income alternatives. “Communities need support, but we must also ensure accountability,” he stated.
The scope of the illegal dredging operations is increasingly tied to foreign nationals. Many of the involved parties are outsiders, and the scale of the operations suggests significant financing from sources beyond what would typically be accessible in these rural areas. Dr. Massaquoi warned that this points to a broader, well-organized, transnational network. “This is not just an isolated problem it’s a complex, coordinated issue that demands international cooperation.”
Despite extensive outreach efforts and awareness campaigns, local communities still have limited understanding of the long-term environmental damage caused by illegal river mining. “We’ve done the outreach,” said an EPA official, “but we need to rethink our communication strategy. People need to see themselves as active partners in protecting their environment, not just passive observers.”
The EPA has committed to continuing its enforcement operations while also seeking to better understand the social and economic factors driving illegal mining. Dr. Massaquoi emphasized the agency’s broader goal of supporting government efforts to end illegal river dredging, restore damaged ecosystems, and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
However, significant challenges remain. The EPA is a non-subvented agency, meaning it operates without direct financial support from the government. Its effectiveness depends on its ability to mobilize resources, incentivize whistleblowers, activate Community Environmental Enforcement Committees (CEECOMs), and collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA) to hold local leaders accountable.
Dr. Massaquoi concluded his statement by urging citizens to take an active role in environmental protection: “If you notice illegal activities in your area, please don’t stay silent. Call our toll-free Orange line at 1999. This is a shared responsibility, and we must work together before it’s too late.”
The EPA’s latest action reflects the agency’s determination to combat illegal river mining and protect Sierra Leone’s natural resources for future generations.