By Jamesetta D Williams
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has ordered the immediate closure of St. Moses Funeral Parlor located in the Green Farm, New Iron Gate Community in Bong County for multiple environmental violations.
The action forms part of the EPA’s ongoing nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring Assessment aimed at ensuring that institutions and businesses across Liberia operate within the country’s environmental laws and regulations.
According to the EPA, St. Moses Funeral Parlor had previously received several non-compliance notices in 2023 regarding its operations at various branches across the country.
However, despite repeated warnings from environmental authorities, the institution allegedly failed to obtain the required Environmental Permit and continued operations in violation of established environmental standards.
During the inspection exercise in Bong County, the General Manager of the branch, Mr. Augustine Kemocai, who reportedly assumed office in 2024, informed EPA inspectors that he had no knowledge of the notices issued against the institution in 2023.
The branch’s Assistant Manager, Mr. Joseph Holder, also claimed he was unaware of previous enforcement actions taken by the agency.
However, EPA inspectors later contacted the institution’s central management office in Monrovia during an on-site conference.
According to the agency, senior management admitted being aware of the matter but failed to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Inspectors described the situation as deliberate and coordinated negligence.
The EPA enforcement team, headed by Inspector General R. Baiyezinah Brown, subsequently issued additional non-compliance notices against the funeral home for several violations, including operating without an Environmental Permit, operating without chemical importation authorization, failure to register chemicals, and the improper handling and use of chemicals.
Following the enforcement action, EPA authorities instructed all staff members to vacate the premises, leading to the immediate shutdown of the facility pending full compliance with Liberia’s Environmental Management Law.
The EPA says the latest closure demonstrates the agency’s continued commitment to ensuring that no institution or individual operates outside the framework of Liberia’s environmental regulations, regardless of status or sector.
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