December 2009 Update
Following an adopted resolution and directive of the Detroit Annual Conference, May, 2009, below is an update on the cited conditions at the Firestone Natural Rubber Company in Liberia; namely, environmental violations, and working and living conditions of its workers.
FIRESTONE ACCUSED OF POLLUTION…MINISTER KONNEH STRESSES DIALOGUE
Source: The Inquirer, Liberia, October, 2009
Firestone Liberia , one of the world’s largest rubber Plantations has been accused of polluting the water sources of Kpanyan Town. The accusation was contained in the report of an inter agency team that was commissioned by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to investigate the alleged contamination of Ninpu Creek in the Kpanyah Town Community. Making the report public recently, Liberia’s Planning and Economic Affairs Minister, Amara M. Konneh said President Sirleaf has received the report and endorsed its findings and recommendations.
In August 2008, the Legislative Caucus and residents of Kpanyan Town community on the outskirts of Harbel, Margibi County complained of the pollution of their water sources and other associated environmental problems, something which was attributed to the operation of Firestone Liberia . The citizens at the time addressed their complaint to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While the EPA was studying the situation, the issue drew the attention of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who constituted the inter-agency investigation team headed by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs which also chairs the EPA Board of Directors.
Planning Minister Konneh said the first phase of the investigation consisted of the overseas testing of eight out of the fourteen parameters collected from the affected water sources surrounding Kpanyah Town.
He said in the absence of the adequate facilities to analyze the sample locally, the said samples were transported to the American University in Beirut, Lebanon by Earthtime Incorporated, a certified independent environmental evaluation firm recognized by the Liberian Government, whose services were contracted by the investigation committee.
The minister noted that during the second phase, the committee submitted the remaining six parameters for testing at the Liberia Hydrological Services, in the laboratory at the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy while the third phase on the committee’s investigation consisted of consultation with the communities within the alleged affected villages, including those living in Firestone’s operation site.
The Planning Minister told journalists that the result of the tests conducted by Earthtime Incorporated at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon confirmed speculation that Ninpu Creek is polluted as a result of effluent discharge from Firestone’s operations as evidence by the high level of orthophosphate concentration. The report noted that among other options to reverse the pollution of this body of water, the application of advanced waste water treatment measures such as physical, biological and chemical methods need to be considered.
Minister Konneh said Firestone is now encouraged to dialogue with the Kpanyah Town Community on a regular basis and improve its relations with the inhabitants of its neighboring communities. He said Firestone is also encouraged to buy rubber from smallholder rubber farmers in those communities to improve their economic conditions.
Meanwhile, the Firestone Management has agreed to work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in meeting those mitigating options suggested in the report. Firestone Liberia has also assured government of its willingness to work with government in creating conditions that will help to cement relations between the management and the communities’ residents; reports Timothy T. Seaklon.
Submitted by: December 2009. Detroit West District Peace Center and the Detroit Annual Conference Board of Church and Society, substantiated by Jefferson Knight, Liberia Annual Conference Human Rights Monitor