YEKEPA, Nimba County — ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has restored more than 167 kilometres of roads that serve numerous communities in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties. This has greatly improved trade, transportation, and access to basic services for thousands of people who live along the company’s rail and mining corridors.
The road rehabilitation program restored vital road networks that had become nearly impassable during the rainy season between February and June of this year, reconnecting remote communities with surrounding towns, markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, according to the most recent progress report published by AML’s Mines Infrastructure Department.
According to the reports, 167 kilometres of roads were restored in five months, including 43.7 kilometres in the Yarmein area, 24.3 kilometres in the Sehyi area, 32 kilometres in Nimba rail villages, and 67 kilometres in Bong County rail communities. Grand Bassa County is also heavily engaged in road improvement projects.
Many AML boundary line communities, such as Barpa, Karnla, Lugbehyee, Bonla, Baintonwin, Bololehwee, Gbeleyee, Kinon, Gbondin, Camp-4, Gbapa, Makinto, Sehyi-Geh, and New Barrack, were included in the rehabilitation. Communities such as Garr Whynor, Tunukpuyee, Zarsonnon, Tunudin, Tiahyee, Zao, Gblehyee, Yoko Village, Bunadin, Duo, and Fire Village profited from the railway corridor in Nimba.
LAMCO Camp, Gaye Town Yoopea, Yela, Greenhill Quarry, Zoweintaa, Monakpoloi, Dahn’s Town, Gold Camp, Walaweu, Balakpah, Botota, and Gbomon were among the communities in Bong County that received the intervention.
The repair is far more than just better roads to many locals. In rural Liberia, local markets and farming communities are frequently connected exclusively by roads. In addition to increasing transportation costs and making it challenging for farmers to carry product before it spoils, damaged roads might stop cars for hours or even days during the rainy season.
Farmers are anticipated to deliver rice, cassava, vegetables, palm goods, and other agricultural products to nearby markets more swiftly and affordably now that the roads are available to cars and motorcyclists. Additionally, traders can transport items more effectively, cutting down on delays and increasing the supply of necessities in isolated areas.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the enhanced road network will encourage more movement of people and commodities between rural villages and large commercial hubs, minimize transportation costs for commercial drivers, and reduce vehicle maintenance expenses brought on by bad road conditions. In general, improved roads boost local economies by making it simpler for companies to access clients and receive supplies.
Another significant benefit of the rehabilitation endeavour is the provision of healthcare. Damaged roads make it extremely difficult for residents of isolated communities to go to clinics and hospitals, especially in times of medical emergency. In addition to improving access for ambulances, medical personnel, and patients, the recently restored roads will guarantee that vital medical supplies can more consistently reach rural health institutions.
Benefits for education are also anticipated. There will be fewer transportation issues for school buses, instructors and students going between communities, particularly during the rainy season when bad road conditions have historically interfered with school attendance.
Both public safety and humanitarian response depend on the road improvements. During catastrophes like flooding, disease outbreaks, or natural disasters, improved roadways allow government agencies, emergency responders, and development partners to move more quickly.
According to AML, the rehabilitation is a component of its border line community policy, which aims to improve the infrastructure in the communities surrounding its mining operations and railway.
Mines Infrastructure Lead Felix Abaidoo and General Manager Jallah Selmah are in charge of the repair initiative. Their team has concentrated on re-establishing accessibility while establishing the groundwork for more durable road infrastructure.
The company claims that in order to help roads endure Liberia’s strong seasonal rains and lessen the need for frequent emergency repairs, the next phase will prioritise sustainability through the building of culverts, enhanced drainage systems, and fortification of flood-prone areas.
The effort serves as a declaration of how important infrastructure is to rural development. Reliable roads provide access to healthcare, education, jobs, agricultural markets, and economic growth for many villages along the rail and mining corridors, which goes beyond simple convenience. ArcelorMittal Liberia is boosting local livelihoods and raising the standard of living for thousands of people in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties by re-establishing these essential transit connections.
