Stockton Creek, Bushrod Island – Residents of Stockton Creek have united in rejecting proposed sand mining in their community, citing threats to safety, health, livelihoods, and the environment. Representative Kerkula Muka Kamara stepped in to mediate between the community and a Chinese company planning the mining, ensuring residents’ voices are heard.
In a tense but constructive meeting, residents from Doe and surrounding areas made it clear: sand mining will not proceed unless their concerns are fully addressed. They warned that sand extraction weakens riverbanks, putting homes in overcrowded neighborhoods at risk of collapse, and threatens the creek that provides food, water, and income for many families.
Major Concerns Highlighted by Residents:
Risk to Lives: Unregulated sand mining could destabilize riverbanks, endangering entire communities.
Environmental Damage: Mining threatens river flow, worsens flooding, and destroys aquatic ecosystems.
Loss of Livelihoods: Families who depend on the creek for fishing and daily needs would lose their source of income and survival.
Health Hazards: Dust, water contamination, and noise pollution could worsen malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory illnesses.
Violation of Rights: Exploiting the environment for short-term profit undermines community safety, dignity, and wellbeing.
Representative Kamara reassured the residents: “I want the people of Doe Community to know that your concerns are my priority. Any development here must protect your lives, health, and livelihoods.”
Community leaders hailed Kamara’s intervention, emphasizing that development should benefit the people, not exploit them. The meeting ended with a firm resolution: sand mining operations will not be allowed to proceed without full guarantees for safety, the environment, and livelihoods.
Adding weight to the community’s stand, the Slum Dwellers Network of Liberia (SDN-LIB)—an NGO advocating for better living conditions in slum communities—commended Kamara for siding with residents. Executive Director Joe Di Sosah stated, “We applaud Representative Kamara for standing strong with the people. SDN-LIB will continue to fight for the safety and wellbeing of all slum dwellers.”
The message is clear: Stockton Creek will not sacrifice its safety and future for short-term profits. With Representative Kamara and advocacy groups standing firm, the community is determined to protect its homes, livelihoods, and environment.
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