Sierra Leone EPA indicted
A National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) guard has said that the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is slow in responding to reports of encroachment on protected areas in the Western Area.
“We do make reports of encroachment to the EPA, but we are always told that the matter is under consideration. This is hampering our efforts to stop people clearing and banking wetlands for housing construction,” the guard confided in Sierra Express.
With regard to the on-going deforestation on the peninsular mountains, the guard disclosed that they are demolishing dozens of beacons fixed the mountain tops by unknown individuals.
“We believe some high placed people are behind the encroachment in the forests; the EPA seems complicit by their indecisiveness in taking prompt action,” another guard attached to zone 7 explained on condition of strict anonymity.
Asked whether they face resistance or outright confrontation from encroachers, the guard replied that they work professionally as the Vice President, Dr Juldeh Jalloh, admonished them during their passing out parade.
“Do not put money ahead of your job; you must be mindful that you would be dealing with your fellow Sierra Leoneans,” the VP had warned.
By Julian Walker
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