By Amos Harris
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has delivered a blunt assessment of sanitation conditions in Monrovia, declaring that the capital and its surrounding communities are increasingly overwhelmed by filth and neglect. Speaking during an appearance on state radio, Sirleaf criticized what she described as a visible breakdown in city management, warning that the current state of the capital reflects poorly on national leadership and urban governance.
“The city is dirty; every time I drive through, the level of neglect is obvious. Posters are plastered everywhere, yet little is being done to keep the city clean or make it beautiful,” she said, pointing to widespread disorder and a lack of enforcement.
The former president stressed that authorities responsible for managing the city must do more, arguing that weak coordination among municipal institutions has contributed significantly to the worsening sanitation crisis. While she called on residents to take greater responsibility for their surroundings—noting that civic duty remains a critical part of maintaining a clean environment—her remarks suggested that public cooperation alone cannot solve the problem without firm government action.
Following her statement, many Liberians voiced their agreement, citing deteriorating conditions across major commercial hubs. Areas such as Red Light, Waterside, and Center Street were highlighted as being among the worst affected by poor waste management.
Jenet Flomo, a resident of Center Street, told journalists that the situation has become deeply embarrassing for the community, with piles of uncollected waste disrupting daily life and business activities. Other key locations, including Duala Market, are facing similar challenges, raising urgent concerns about public health risks and the long-term impact on the city’s image as frustrations grow over continued institutional inaction.
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