By Joseph Tumbey, josephtumbey@gmail.com (+231) 777 941 209

IPNEWS – MONROVIA – A portion of CEMENCO enclosed fence on early Sunday, October 17, collapsed leaving some people, who have dwelling very close nearby, injured. Independent Probe (IP) was told that at least 50 persons sustained minor to major injuries and had to be rushed to various health facilities around the city.

Independent Probe (IP) didn’t see any of the injured persons, however, this was confirmed to this newspaper by that constituency’s lawmaker, who has threatened to file a US$5-million lawsuit against CEMENCO.

CEMENCO is a cement producing factory in the heart of a densely populated residential area. It must be noted, however, that when CEMENCO was constructed many years ago, the Sawmill Community, where it is located, wasn’t heavily populated as is today.

According to eyewitnesses, the collapse of the fence has rendered many homeless and putting some into hospitals. The eyewitnesses told IPNEWS that the fence collapse was triggered by the fallen of a wall of the cement factory’s warehouse, which is adjacent the fence. The collapse of these huge and heavy concrete walls fell on houses nearby.

Angry residents who had gathered at the main entrance of the factory demanding answers, accused CEMENCO management of ignoring their safety and polluting the air for them.

Some of them complained that they didn’t know which health facilities their injured loved ones were rushed to for medical treatment. Others complained that their homes have been destroyed by the fallen walls. Some even spoke of how the foods they were preparing for Sunday were all damaged from debris of the fallen walls. They had threatened not to leave from the main entrance of the factory until “something” is done.

Up to press time, no one was available from CEMENCO to speak to the press or to the angry residents. The factory’s guards at the entrance even denied all reporters entry to access from within the fence.

Meanwhile, Montserrado District #13 lawmaker, Edward P. Flomo, has threatened to file a US$5 million lawsuit against this giant cement factory.

According to Rep. Flomo, the factory is in the habit of harming residents in the Sawmill Community.