IPNews-Monrovia, Liberia-29 March: The Environmental Protection Agency-EPA has ordered the immediate halt of to all construction works undertaking by the Abi Jaoudi and Azar Corporation until further notice of authorization is presented to the company by the Agency.

The EPA in a press statement issued in Monrovia stated that as part of its order to halt the construction, it has all imposed a fine of USD $ 3,000.00 (Three Thousand United States Dollars), on the Abi Jaoudi and Azar Corporation for the Companies continues violation of the Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML) part III Section 6 (count 1 &2) of the Republic of Liberia.

The EPA through its Executive Director Hon. Nathaniel T. Blama, Sr. said the fine imposed on the Abi Jaoudi and Azar Corporation Group is require to be paid in Government revenue at the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) with an official receipt presented to the EPA within the next 72 hours.

The release further quoted Hon. Blama as saying the failure for the company to comply with Notice of Violation issued March 27,2018, the EPA further move to inflict other drastic penalties which include but not limited to the following; additional fines, closure, imprisonment and or criminal prosecution where applicable.

Additionally, the EPA Executive Director has called all companies operating within the country to comply with the Environmental Protection Management Law in order to avoid future embarrassment.