Kpowin Town, Nimba County – Local officials have verified that development projects in Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Nimba Countty, which are entirely sponsored by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) under the County Social Development Fund (CSDF), are rapidly expanding.
In a Kpowin Town interview with Nimba D-9 TV, District Superintendent Paul Jackson stated that the district’s expanding infrastructure is a result of both strategic alliances with the business sector, particularly ArcelorMittal Liberia, and effective government leadership.
“For the first time since 1964, we are witnessing what good leadership and real corporate partnership can achieve,” Jackson said. “Under previous leaderships, we had hopes. But today, those hopes are materializing into tangible developments.”
Among the projects currently underway are the construction of a modern Commissioner Compound in Kpowin Town for the Zehnla Administrative District; a new police station in Zekepa, the district’s administrative headquarters; a Commissioner Compound in Ganwee for Mehnsonnoh Administrative District; and another modern Commissioner Compound in Zahnzayee for Blinon Administrative District.
All the projects are being funded through the CSDF, with contributions from ArcelorMittal Liberia, the country’s largest private investor, which alone has contributed more than US$50 million to the Fund since its establishment.
Superintendent Jackson extended appreciation to President Joseph N. Boakai Sr., Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr., and members of the 55th Nimba Legislative Caucus for what he described as a “new chapter of real-time development” in the county. He also acknowledged County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono for providing leadership that has helped prioritize infrastructure development across Nimba.
“The people are ready to work with our leaders. With a government that listens, a committed caucus, and corporate partners like ArcelorMittal Liberia, Nimba County is entering a new era of transformation,” Jackson said.
The community’s enthusiasm for ArcelorMittal Liberia goes beyond Yarwin Mehnsonnoh. In the counties where it operates, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa, the company has contributed millions of dollars to other social projects in addition to the CSDF.
In order to develop Liberia’s skilled labor force, the company has built and renovated schools, clinics, and community centers; sponsored public health campaigns; provided scholarships for hundreds of Liberian students to pursue higher education in engineering and mining; and sponsored vocational training programs.
According to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s latest community development report, over US$40 million has been invested in community development initiatives outside of its regular CSDF contributions.
Under the company’s Community Development Fund, AML is entirely financing and carrying out a number of new community development initiatives in Grand Bassa, such as infrastructure improvements for schools, water projects, and road restoration.
Meanwhile, it is anticipated that ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase 2 expansion project would increase the company’s economic contribution to the country. The development, which is expected to cost more than US$1.7 billion, would greatly boost iron ore output and the related economic advantages.
At phase two, the Yekepa-Buchanan railway will be expanded and modernized, a new ore concentrator plant will be built at Yekepa, and the Buchanan Port will be improved to handle larger ships and more ore exports.
Phase 2 will quadruple ArcelorMittal’s yearly production of high-grade iron ore from 5 million tonnes to 15 million tonnes once it is completely deployed, according to the company executives.
More than 2,000 direct construction jobs are anticipated to be created by the development, the majority of which would go to Liberians. Additionally, it is anticipated to create thousands of indirect employment in the transportation, logistics, services, and agriculture industries.
Through new technical training programs, apprenticeship schemes, and capacity-building efforts aimed at giving local workers the skills required for positions in the mining and rail industries, ArcelorMittal Liberia has underlined its commitment to maximizing Liberian involvement.
Additionally, the Liberian government stands to benefit from increased revenue streams through taxes, royalties, and social development contributions tied to the company’s expanded operations.
Residents of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh say the ongoing developments are already changing the face of their communities.
For decades, government presence in the district was minimal, with local leaders operating from temporary facilities. The construction of permanent Commissioner Compounds and a modern police station marks a shift toward stronger governance, rule of law, and service delivery.
“These projects symbolize hope, opportunity, and a better future for our children,” said Moses Zor, a local youth leader in Kpowin Town. “We are grateful to ArcelorMittal and to our government for making this possible.”
With more projects expected under the CSDF and additional opportunities anticipated from AML’s Phase 2 expansion, Superintendent Jackson believes Yarwin Mehnsonnoh and the wider Nimba County are well-positioned to benefit from what he called a “new era of responsible partnership and growth.”
ArcelorMittal Liberia began operations in 2006 and currently operates the Tokadeh Mountains in Nimba County, transporting iron ore by rail to the Port of Buchanan for export. The company is Liberia’s largest taxpayer, contributing more than US$45 million annually to the national revenue. It remains the leading corporate sponsor of social development projects in its operational areas.
By Edmund C. Gbarwee
