Bong County – The Bong County Community Relations Team of ArcelorMittal Liberia has intensified a campaign to protect lives and reaffirm the company’s zero-tolerance policy regarding risky behaviour in the vicinity of its railway corridor.
The Community Relations team actively participated in a rail safety campaign, educating locals about the risks of walking, sitting and playing on the railway as part of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s larger commitment to operational safety and community well-being. The initiative demonstrates the company’s strong emphasis on rail safety as a top priority, especially in light of the growing number of train movements along the route.
On April 2 and 3, the team visited two important settlements, Gbarlorkpala and Zoweintaa, with the help of members of the Local Consultative Forum (LCF), purposefully interacting with locals during peak market days. To maximise comprehension and impact among a variety of groups, messages were presented in both English and regional tongues.
Moses Dolo, the leader of the Local Consultative Forum in Gbarlorkpala (Kilometre 123), expressed gratitude for the initiative, pointing out that locals frequently need constant reminders to refrain from risky behaviour close to the railway. He thinks that strengthening safety awareness requires ongoing involvement.
The campaign leader, Mr Dolo, highlighted the risks of sitting, lying and walking on the railway in Kpelle. “This railway is not for playing, sitting or relaxing,” he warned the locals. The train of today doesn’t make a loud noise, and it can’t immediately stop to let you get off when it unexpectedly approaches you. Therefore, please get off the railway because you won’t be able to return after the train hits you and kills you.
Gbarlorkpala, which is also home to Bassa-speaking residents, benefited from further outreach as another LCF member, Sundaygar, explained in Bassa the risks associated with being on the railroad. He emphasized that the rail line is increasingly busy due to frequent train movements and urged parents to take greater responsibility in guiding their children.
He warned parents to carefully supervise children when crossing the rail and to stop them from playing on it, reinforcing the campaign’s core message that safety must begin at home and within the community.
Other participants, including James D. Momo, Naomi Vah, and Elijah Kangar, joined the campaign, touring the market grounds while broadcasting AML’s safety jingle, a familiar audio message that repeatedly urges people to stay away from the tracks. The use of the jingle, combined with face-to-face engagement, reflects the company’s multi-layered approach to rail safety awareness.
In Zoweintaa, the campaign continued with equal intensity. Reeves P. Dolo and his LCF team joined Community Relations Supervisor, Albertha Dianue, to tour the bustling market grounds, again delivering rail safety messages in both English and local dialects to ensure inclusivity.
LCF Chairman Reeves P. Dolo, Zoweintaa Market Superintendent Andrew Sologbay, and Moses Yoko all collaborated with Ms. Dianue to clearly explain the dangers associated with the railway, reinforcing the message that safety is a shared responsibility between the company and the communities.
Speaking directly to motorcycle riders, Ms Dianue strongly advised against dangerous conduct at train crossings. “It’s not good for you and your passengers to rush to cross when the train is approaching,” she stated. We don’t want anything bad to happen to you guys because you are helping us overcome the transportation challenges we confront. Please be patient and let the train to pass. In order to avoid and prevent accidents, ride slowly on the small roadways.
In addition to highlighting ArcelorMittal Liberia’s understanding of the critical role motorcyclists play in local transportation, she emphasised that the business continues to place a high premium on their safety.
AML is stepping up the campaign as part of a planned and ongoing effort to stop any rail-related mishaps, Ms. Dianue informed LCF members earlier. She underlined that the business does not desire any circumstance where a resident or any individual is hurt or killed as a result of train operations.
Noting that community partnership is still essential to achieving long-term safety results, she also praised the LCF members for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to raising awareness.
The continuous program is a reflection of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s growing dedication to rail safety, both as a practical necessity and as a moral obligation to the communities along its line. The corporation keeps reiterating that the railway is a high-risk area and that safety must always come first by combining constant involvement, communication in the local language, and cooperation with community leaders.
