Buchanan City, Montserrado County – Grand Bassa County District #3 Representative Matthew Joe has praised ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) for its continuous efforts to raise public awareness of safety issues while warning locals who live near the company’s rail corridor to avoid the railway tracks since there are significant safety concerns.
Representative Joe recently spoke at the start of AML’s Community Safety Awareness Month at Monrovia Junction in Buchanan, emphasising that the railway is only utilised for train operations and cannot be used for loitering, walking, or resting.
“The rail line is not a place for sitting or relaxing,” Rep. Joe cautioned. “Using it for anything other than train movement puts lives at risk. People must take responsibility for their own safety.”
He emphasised that safeguarding the lives of residents along the corridor is just as vital as operational priorities. He encouraged locals to be watchful and to participate in safety programs that try to avoid mishaps.
The Third Amendment to AML’s Mineral Development Agreement with the Government of Liberia, which calls for the creation of almost 2,000 jobs, was another point made by Representative Joe. He urged the business to give citizens of impacted towns top priority when it comes to job opportunities, pointing out that doing so will enhance livelihoods and promote shared accountability for safeguarding rail infrastructure.
Rep. Joe and Deputy Minister for Rail Rudolph Gbee Natt participated in awareness-raising activities alongside well-known Liberian artist Kobazzie to promote the safety message at the event.
He reiterated his caution against unauthorised access to the rail line and promised that the Grand Bassa County Legislative Caucus will fully support AML’s Community Safety Awareness Month initiatives.
residents of the AML staff, local law enforcement, including the Liberia National Police Bassa Detachment, Township Commissioner Isaac Williams, cultural artists, residents of the community, and media representatives were also present at the occasion.
As part of its larger commitment to encouraging safe conduct in its operations corridors and fortifying relationships with host communities to safeguard lives and property, AML organises Community Safety Awareness Month.
