President Boakai and others Commission Major Plastic Recycling Plant in Monrovia!
Speaking at the event, President Boakai reaffirmed saying “ my Administration is committed to environmental sustainability, job creation, and private sector-led growth”, emphasizing that Liberia must move from wastefulness to productivity by turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
Also at the event, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, emphasized that the project directly responds to the triple planetary crisis, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He noted that plastic pollution remains a major environmental threat in Liberia, contributing to clogged drainage systems, soil degradation, and water contamination.
Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that under the leadership of President Boakai, the EPA, in collaboration with city corporations and stakeholders, developed the 2024 National Solid Waste Management Policy, a private sector-driven framework designed to modernize waste management and promote investment in recycling and waste-to-energy solutions.
He further highlighted that the Sethi Group of Companies is among the first to operationalize this policy through the establishment of the Duraplast recycling facility, while additional investments are already underway, including a similar plant in Bensonville which is a waste-to-energy initiative by Green Guard Eco Solution.
The facility incorporates a closed-loop water filtration system to prevent chemical runoff into the Mesurado River and surrounding wetlands, as well as high-efficiency thermal systems to minimize air emissions. These measures demonstrate strong alignment with national environmental standards and international best practices.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is poised to generate substantial socio-economic impact. It is expected to create over 200 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect livelihood opportunities, particularly benefiting youth and women engaged in community-based waste collection enterprises.
The facility will also promote worker safety through strict occupational health and safety protocols, including mandatory use of personal protective equipment and fair labor practices.
Dr. Yarkpawolo concluded by commending the Sethi Group of Companies for their investment and leadership, noting that the project represents a turning point in Liberia’s transition from waste management to resource recovery and green industrialization.
“This is not just a plant,” he stated. “It is a symbol of a new direction for Liberia, where waste becomes wealth, where policy meets action, and where environmental protection drives economic transformation.”
