In a surprising revelation, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has informed lawmakers that birds feeding from nearby dumpsites are contributing to recent power disruptions at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
During a meeting with the Senate Transport Committee, LAA officials explained that the birds frequently perch on the airport’s transformers, causing electrical faults. The problem has led to intermittent power outages, raising concerns about the reliability of electricity supply at Liberia’s main international gateway.
The birds, attracted by waste from surrounding dumpsites, have inadvertently become a nuisance to the airport’s power infrastructure. Their presence on transformers has triggered short circuits and other technical issues, forcing engineers to intervene repeatedly.
“This is an unusual but serious challenge,” an LAA representative told the committee. “The birds gather on the transformers line and build their nest, and their activity disrupts the power supply. We are working on solutions to prevent further incidents.”
Authorities are now exploring measures to deter the birds, including possible relocation or cleanup of nearby dumpsites that attract them. The LAA is collaborating with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and environmental experts to find a sustainable fix.
Senators expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for urgent action to avoid further disruptions at the airport. “This is a critical national infrastructure,” said one committee member. “We cannot afford repeated power failures caused by preventable factors like this.”
Travelers and businesses relying on RIA have grown increasingly frustrated with the recurring power issues. The LAA has apologized for the inconvenience and assured the public that efforts are underway to stabilize electricity supply.
“We understand the impact on passengers and operations,” the LAA stated. “Our teams are working around the clock to implement both short-term and long-term fixes.”
For now, airport officials remain vigilant, monitoring transformer sites and taking immediate action when outages occur. The public is urged to stay updated through official channels as authorities work to resolve the issue.
