By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received 15 brand-new Honda motorcycles from the Government of Liberia to strengthen environmental inspections, improve field monitoring, and enhance the country’s preparedness for public health emergencies.
The motorcycles were provided through the government’s Health Security Project, a national initiative designed to improve coordination among institutions responsible for human, animal, and environmental health.
The presentation, held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, is expected to improve the mobility of EPA inspectors, particularly in rural communities and counties where poor transportation has limited the Agency’s ability to conduct regular environmental surveillance.
Speaking during the presentation, Rafael Ngumbu, Director of the EPA’s Department of Environmental Research and Radiation Safety and focal point for the project, said the equipment would strengthen the Agency’s ability to carry out field inspections and monitor environmental threats across the country.
Ngumbu emphasized that environmental protection is essential to safeguarding public health, noting that environmental hazards can affect both humans and animals.
He said the motorcycles would enable inspectors to reach remote communities, conduct compliance inspections, and respond more effectively to environmental concerns.
Beyond the motorcycle donation, Ngumbu disclosed that the Health Security Project is providing additional resources to strengthen the EPA’s technical capacity.
The support includes 15 laptops, laboratory equipment valued at approximately US$200,000, and postgraduate scholarships for staff development.
He revealed that one EPA employee is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental chemistry, while arrangements are underway for a second scholarship, preferably for a female staff member, to study environmental microbiology.
According to Ngumbu, the support will enhance the Agency’s capacity in environmental surveillance, chemical management, radiation safety, water quality monitoring, and waste management.
The Health Security Project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the EPA under the One Health approach, which recognizes the close relationship between human, animal, and environmental health.
Receiving the motorcycles, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo thanked the government and the Health Security Project for providing equipment to improve the Agency’s operations.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said he had stressed the need for durable, high-quality motorcycles during discussions on the project, emphasizing that the equipment must withstand rough terrain and the demands of environmental fieldwork.
He noted that reliable transportation is critical to enabling environmental officers to conduct inspections, identify potential threats, and respond to complaints from communities across Liberia.
The EPA executive director also acknowledged Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Hydrocarbon, Energy and Environment, and Representative Jeremiah Garwo Sokan Sr., Chairman of the House Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, for their oversight and support.
For his part, Representative Sokan welcomed the donation and commended the EPA for efforts to improve its operational capacity.
He said providing employees with the necessary equipment and improving their working conditions were important steps toward strengthening institutional performance and ensuring effective environmental protection.
However, the lawmaker urged the Agency to ensure that the motorcycles are properly used and maintained, warning against the misuse or neglect of public resources.
The 15 motorcycles are expected to strengthen the EPA’s presence in the field, improve access to underserved communities, and support more effective environmental monitoring throughout Liberia.
