EPA Acquires Permanent Headquarters and Modern Laboratory in US$800,000 Deal

Monrovia, Liberia: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the acquisition of a permanent headquarters and a modern environmental laboratory in Mamba Point, describing the move as a major milestone in strengthening the institution and improving environmental governance in Liberia.

According to the EPA, the property, located along Sekou Toure Avenue, was purchased for US$800,000, including taxes and administrative fees. The Agency said the property was independently valued at about US$1.3 million, meaning it was acquired for roughly US$500,000 below its lowest appraised value.

The facility sits on approximately 1.8 lots and includes the EPA’s headquarters, a state-of-the-art environmental laboratory, a generator house, warehouse, parking space, solar energy infrastructure, and other supporting facilities. The headquarters contains around 80 offices, three conference rooms, a GIS laboratory, a library, and other administrative spaces designed to support the Agency’s expanding operations.

EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said the decision followed an assessment that continuing to rent office space was financially unsustainable. He noted that the Agency had spent more than 16 years operating from rented buildings in Sinkor, paying about US$72,000 annually in rent before relocating to Mamba Point.

According to the EPA, the purchase was financed through savings generated between 2024 and 2026 by reducing administrative and operational expenses. The Agency said the acquisition received approval from the EPA Board, the General Services Agency, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Ministry of Justice following financial and legal reviews.

The EPA believes the acquisition will eliminate recurring rental costs, provide a permanent home for environmental regulation and scientific research, strengthen pollution monitoring and environmental enforcement, and create a lasting public asset for Liberia.