By P. Vangerline Kpotoe
MONROVIA, Oct. 16 (LINA) — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received 15 new Honda motorcycles from the Government of Liberia (GoL) through the Health Security Project to strengthen environmental monitoring, field inspections, and surveillance activities across the country.
The motorcycles were presented on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as part of the Government’s efforts to enhance health security through the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The Health Security Project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the EPA, with each institution responsible for human, animal, and environmental health, respectively.
Speaking during the presentation, the EPA’s focal point for the project, Rafael Ngumbu, Director of the Department of Environmental Research and Radiation Safety, said the motorcycles would improve the mobility of environmental inspectors, particularly in the counties.
He noted that the vehicles would enable inspectors to access remote and hard-to-reach communities, conduct surveillance, and carry out environmental compliance checks more effectively.
Ngumbu disclosed that, in addition to the motorcycles, the project is providing 15 laptops, laboratory equipment valued at approximately US$200,000, and postgraduate scholarships to strengthen the EPA’s technical capacity.
He said one EPA staff member is currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental chemistry, while arrangements are underway for a second scholarship for a female staff member to study environmental microbiology.
According to him, the capacity-building initiatives are intended to strengthen the Agency’s work in environmental surveillance, chemical management, radiation safety, water quality monitoring, and waste management.
Receiving the motorcycles, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo expressed appreciation to the Government for the support, emphasizing the need for durable vehicles capable of navigating rough terrain and withstanding the demands of field operations.
He said reliable transportation was essential to conducting effective environmental inspections, reaching remote communities, and responding promptly to emerging environmental threats.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also acknowledged the support of Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., Chair of the Senate Committee on Hydrocarbon, Energy and Environment, and Representative Jeremiah Garwo Sokan Sr., Chair of the House Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment.
For his part, Representative Sokan welcomed the donation and urged the EPA to ensure the proper use and regular maintenance of the motorcycles.
He stressed that responsible management of the vehicles would help sustain their usefulness, strengthen the Agency’s field presence, and ensure that the donation achieves its intended objectives.
The support is expected to enhance the EPA’s operational capacity and contribute to stronger environmental monitoring and enforcement as Liberia advances its One Health agenda.