The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr. Ben Donnie, has ordered the closure of the newly constructed “showroom” of the International Aluminum Factory (IAF) on the Tubman Boulevard in Monrovia.

Speaking at a press conference Wednesday at his Sinkor offices, Mr. Donnie disclosed that the closure of the company’s showroom was based on deception by its management.

He revealed that prior to the construction of the building that is currently hosting the showroom, his agency was notified and as a result of the information provided, EPA issued the factory a permit but expressed surprise over the management’s decision to have instead constructed an “assembly plant,” something Mr. Donnie noted had not been part of agreement.

The EPA Director stressed that the false declaration by the IAF management to his agency has therefore necessitated the full application of laws governing the illegal action, warranting its management to face five years imprisonment or closure of the company with a discretional fine ranging between US1,000 to US$25,000 imposed.

He noted that the Justice Ministry has already been notified about the agency’s decision, underscoring that it was a crime for individuals or businesses to mislead government at the detriment of the Liberian people.

Mr. Donnie further pointed out that the construction of the assembly plant in the city, especially among community dwellers, could pose health hazards to nearby residents.

When contacted, the management of the IAF described the action by the EPA as “storage,” adding that they could not remember when any representative from EPA had raised issues about the plant.

Mr. Marwan Eid who claimed to be Manager of IAF, explained that his company has been operating in the country for the past 30 years and has since duly followed government’s regulations, with no breach in any law.
He told journalists that the building contained only a showroom and warehouse for customers and not an assembly plant.

During a tour of the IAF facilities, however saw no trace of the assembly plant in question, other than apartments and storage rooms and the showroom. Mr. Eid expressed fear that such action by the EPA had the tendency to instill fears in business partners who are investing into the economy.

He used the occasion to reveal that over US$3 million had been invested into construction and furnishing of the showroom, including the various apartments, with ongoing construction of two additional buildings on the premises.

It can be recalled that during the 1980s, the IAF, under the management of Mr. Ezzat Eid who later became President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), was rated one of Liberia’s best business partners, having constructed its own factory and other buildings in Monrovia, as opposed to others who had largely rented buildings of other individuals.

Police’s ERU In Readiness
By Sallu Swaray

The Emergency Response Unit (ERU) of the Liberian National Police (LNP) is reported to be gearing up in full readiness to combat various crimes in and around the country, as evidenced by the involvement of its personnel in intensive training program at the National Police Academy in Paynesville.

Thursrday, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) together with some officers of the LNP led several journalists to the training site to witness for themselves progress being made by the trainees.

As a result of the serious attachment placed on the training of members of the ERU, the Wednesday regular weekly press briefing by UNMIL was postponed.

Police Inspector General Beatrice Sieh-Brown, speaking to reporters following the witnessing the exercises of the men in training, cautioned the public against challenging the Police in combating crimes, notwithstanding the current strength of the Police Support Unit [PSU] that requires augmentation.

She expressed happiness over the training of members of the ERU who are expected to rigidly tackle armed robbery and other crimes in the society, following completion of the courses.

Col. Brown indicated that it was the first stage of the training exercise, comprising 139 personnel, with graduation due in early October.

The Police Inspector General further disclosed that additional 500 police personnel are expected to also undergo similar training shortly, using the opportunity to commend UNMIL-UNPOL and the international community for their immense contributions to the training program.

ERU American lead trainer, Damon Brown, stressed that the ERU, upon completion of the training, would specifically deal with crimes situations which may require the use of firearms, including hostage-taking, violence and terrorism.

He listed riot control, anti-crime patrol in high crime areas and assistance in major disaster situations as other tasks of the ERU.

ERU wasformed by the Government of Liberia as a result of a recommendation from the RAND Study in March of 2007. One of the recommendations of the Study was to create an armed component of the LNP requiring 500 personnel.

ERU has also been receiving support from donors, including the United States of America and Ireland.