Gbarpolu County – The youth significantly affected by the ongoing illegal mining activities in Belle District have said that they are closely monitoring the ongoing legal proceedings in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County concerning an illegal mining operations worth Thirty Million United States Dollars ($30 million USD) in Gbarpolu County.
Pressure is being mounted among young people in the District as the result of frustration they encounter as from witness the adverse effects of these unauthorized activities in their communities.
The have threatened to take radical measures to expel those involved in the illegal mining activities in their communities if the legal system fails to address their grievances as require by the Liberian law.
The youth emphasized their readiness to take swift action declaring, “Enough is enough.” The district suffers from a severe lack of essential services and infrastructure, including good roads, healthcare, schools, and other necessary facilities.
They argue that if the District’s resources cannot benefit its residents, there is no justification for allowing any mining companies to operate in the areas.
The call for justice from Belle District’s young population underscores the growing tension and urgency for effective solutions into the issues plaguing the region.
The community awaits the legal outcome, hoping for a resolution that addresses their concerns and brings about meaningful change.
Belleh District is one of the five districts located in Gbarpolu County, Liberia, and a second-level administrative division. It was one of the five districts that were moved from Lofa County to create Gbarpolu County in 2001. Situated in the northeast corner, it forms part of the county’s border with Lofa County.