ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD!
…Kings Foam Pollutes Black Hall Road Community, Environs
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (Kamalo)
Residents of Blackhall Road and surrounding communities have raised serious concerns over what they describe as persistent noise pollution emanating from the Kings Foam Production Company, alleging that the factory’s round-the-clock operations have turned their once peaceful neighbourhood into an unbearable environment.
Frustrated residents say the continuous operation of heavy industrial machines, particularly during late-night and early morning hours, has deprived them of sleep, affected their health and disrupted normal family life.
Many are now calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-SL) and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the matter and enforce existing environmental regulations.
According to several residents interviewed by Salone Compass Newspaper, production at the factory reportedly continues throughout the night without interruption, with the loud humming and vibration of industrial equipment becoming most intense between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
“The machines don’t sleep, so we can’t sleep either,” lamented Fatmata Kamara, a shop owner who has lived along Blackhall Road for several years. “Our children wake up exhausted and struggle in school the next day. The elderly are constantly complaining of headaches, stress and lack of sleep. We have reached a point where enough is enough.”
Other residents echoed similar frustrations, saying the constant noise can be heard several streets away and affects homes, places of worship, schools and small businesses.
“The vibration alone shakes our houses at times,” another resident explained. “Even when doors and windows are closed, the noise still penetrates. We no longer enjoy peace in our own homes.”
Community leaders disclosed that complaints have now been received from more than 40 households, with residents urging the company to adopt measures that would reduce the impact of its operations on neighbouring communities.
According to community stakeholders, efforts have been made to encourage dialogue between the company and residents.
“We have requested Kings Foam to engage the community and explore practical solutions, including reviewing production schedules during late-night hours and installing proper soundproofing systems. Industrial development should not come at the expense of people’s health and wellbeing. The right to conduct business must be balanced with the public’s right to peace, rest and a healthy environment,” one stakeholder stated.
Health professionals also warned that prolonged exposure to excessive industrial noise poses serious public health risks. Medical experts note that continuous noise pollution has been linked to sleep deprivation, hypertension, chronic stress, anxiety and reduced concentration among schoolchildren.
Teachers at a nearby primary school similarly expressed concern, noting that classroom activities are frequently interrupted whenever the factory is operating at full capacity, making it difficult for pupils to concentrate during lessons.
Environmental advocates point out that Sierra Leone’s environmental laws provide safeguards against excessive community noise. Under the Environment Protection Agency Act, 2022, together with relevant provisions of the Public Order Act, excessive and disruptive noise affecting residential communities is prohibited and may attract regulatory action where standards are breached.
Residents are therefore calling on the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to conduct an independent assessment of the factory’s operations, measure the prevailing noise levels and determine whether Kings Foam is complying with national environmental standards.
Many also want regulators to examine whether appropriate environmental impact assessments and noise mitigation measures have been implemented, arguing that industrial expansion should never compromise the health, safety and wellbeing of surrounding communities.
At the time of going to press, Kings Foam Production Company had not issued any public response to the allegations. Repeated efforts by this newspaper to obtain comments from the company’s management regarding its production schedule, noise-control measures and compliance with environmental regulations were unsuccessful. The company will be given the opportunity to respond should it choose to do so.
Investigation continues…