Monrovia, Liberia – With the official dedication of a $700,000 fully reconstructed overhead bridge, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has restored a vital transportation and economic connection between its port concession and significant settlements in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
The bridge, which is 2.5 kilometers from the Buchanan Port, links AML’s activities with the nearby towns of Koruah, District Hole, More Town, Baconie, and the Sun Set Beach region. Even though it is a public asset, the structure is essential to AML’s iron ore railway operations from Mount Tokadeh to the port as well as to local commuters.
Concerns over obvious flaws on the bridge’s piers were voiced by AML engineers in 2018. According to a joint technical evaluation conducted by AML and the Ministry of Public Works, the structure was in danger of collapsing, endangering both mining logistics and public safety. The administration at the time blamed a lack of funds for repairs, despite the urgency.
In 2019, AML hired a third-party expert, whose report documented the bridge’s deteriorating structural degradation and alerted the public to the bridge’s impending threat to operations, pedestrians, and drivers. Since there was no other source of finance, AML took the lead in restoring the building.
Following high-level discussions with stakeholders and government representatives, the corporation developed a multifaceted strategy that included rerouting traffic, raising public awareness of safety issues, and seeking a long-term structural redesign.
AML hired the international engineering firm AFCONS as a subcontractor in 2023 to complete the renovation. After a total expenditure of over $700,000, the bridge was officially turned over to AML for operational integration in February 2024.
Marcus Wleh, AML’s Head of Sustainability and External Relations, highlighted the company’s longstanding devotion to promoting safe transportation and public infrastructure during Thursday’s dedication event in Buchanan.
“We have come today to dedicate this bridge—not just the bridge, but the road that has been restored,” Wleh said. “ArcelorMittal continues to make numerous efforts for Liberia, including this road and bridge.”
Moses Henry, the Grand Bassa County Development Officer, sent gratitude on behalf of Superintendent Karyou Johnson. “We describe this as good for now, but we pray for ‘very good,’ and later we would like to see ‘excellent,” he said, encouraging even greater collaboration.
George Gaybueh, the mayor of Buchanan, echoed these views. “We anticipated the road’s reopening even though it had been blocked for months. I appreciate ArcelorMittal Liberia’s commendable endeavor. This is the start of further cooperation with the City Corporation.”
Although the bridge’s primary purpose is to facilitate AML’s operations, it also benefits the general public, including Buchanan residents, logging firms, and shippers. Restoring it reduces traffic, increases safety, and stimulates business.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s contribution in the 2.5km overhead bridge is a great illustration of how, even outside the parameters of a concession agreement, ethical corporate citizenship can fill in the gaps in public infrastructure, encourage economic growth, and aid in national advancement.
