Monrovia, Liberia – Arcelor-Mittal Liberia’s investment and approval of its third mineral development agreement have been approved by the chiefs, elders, and residents of the company’s host communities in Grand Bassa County. The Bassa people believe that the many contributions AML has made to Liberia’s economic status and its continued function as a catalyst for social advancement throughout the country are what motivated them to make the endorsement.
According to the declaration of support, many large corporations lost faith in Liberia as a destination for investment during the civil war. Mittal was the biggest investment since the conclusion of the war and did not hold back. According to them, AML’s prompt action demonstrated to the rest of the world that Liberia was and is open for business and moving toward growth and recovery.
Bassa residents request that the yearly Grand Bassa social development budget to be increased to US$2 million in order to more community initiatives, such as the building of new schools, hospitals, and other necessary infrastructure. In addition to expanding technical and vocational training programs by building a VTC-style center similar to the one in Yekepa to Buchanan, they urge AML to give priority to job prospects for inhabitants of the host town.
Last week, citizens of areas impacted by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) gathered in Sanniquellie City to demand that the government negotiate agreements that directly benefit them. AML’s expansion and the adoption of its modified Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) were overwhelmingly supported by more than 70 chiefs, elders, and concerned locals. They however make it known that, they had a condition attached to their endorsement: pointing to immediate access to concession benefits.
The handling of development funding has been a major cause of conflict between local communities and international corporations for many years. Millions of dollars are paid by AML each year for community development, but instead of going directly to the villages, the money goes straight to the government’s consolidated coffers. Citizens argue that this bureaucratic procedure frequently leads to delays, improper distribution, or outright rejection of monies intended to enhance their quality of life.
