The residents of communities impacted by the rail operations of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) in Bong County have formally endorsed the company’s operational expansion and the ratification of its revised Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). This significant decision, reached during a community gathering in Botota Town, signifies a crucial step in the ongoing negotiations between the company, the local communities, and the Liberian government. The gathering, attended by a cross-section of community stakeholders including local leaders, representatives, and citizens, underscored the importance of community consensus in shaping the future of AML’s presence in Bong County, one of the three counties hosting the company’s concession.
Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris of Bong County played a pivotal role in facilitating the discussions, emphasizing the democratic nature of the process. She assured attendees that their collective voice, as represented by their elected leaders and representatives, would be heard and their recommendations conveyed to the Bong County Legislative Caucus and the national government for consideration during the final MDA negotiations. This transparent approach to community engagement sought to address the concerns of all stakeholders and build a foundation of trust between the company, the government, and the affected communities. The Superintendent meticulously reviewed each point in the community’s petition, ensuring that the final document accurately reflected the aspirations and concerns of all citizen groups.
While recognizing the legitimacy of community demands for development and improved living conditions, Superintendent Norris also appealed for a balanced approach. She stressed the importance of acknowledging the value of AML’s investments and the need for communities to protect these investments, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between the company and its host communities. She highlighted the current economic challenges faced by the Liberian government, emphasizing the crucial role of concession agreements like AML’s in supporting critical social development initiatives. With the drawdown of USAID funding impacting various programs, partnerships with private sector entities like AML become even more vital for sustaining development efforts. Norris cautioned against internal conflict and division, urging unity to propel development and transform the county and its districts.
The community petition, while acknowledging AML’s positive contributions to Liberia’s economy through job creation, infrastructure development, and investments in education and healthcare, also articulated several critical challenges. These included insufficient local employment opportunities, environmental hazards stemming from the company’s operations, damage to roads and other vital infrastructure, and delays in compensation for property affected by the company’s activities. This candid assessment of both the benefits and drawbacks of AML’s presence in Bong County formed the basis for the community’s recommendations for the new MDA.
The community’s proposed revisions to the MDA focus on several key areas. Firstly, they advocate for an increase in social development funds commensurate with AML’s planned production expansion. This ensures that the communities directly impacted by the increased activity receive a proportional share of the benefits. Secondly, they prioritize local employment and skills training, aiming to equip residents with the necessary skills to secure jobs within the expanding operations. The establishment of a legally binding rail corridor development fund is also proposed to address the specific challenges related to infrastructure maintenance and development along the rail line. Finally, the community calls for improved environmental protection measures to mitigate the ecological impact of the expanded operations.
Further recommendations included an expansion of AML’s social infrastructure commitments, encompassing areas like healthcare and education. The community also requested the repair of roads and bridges damaged by the company’s operations, prompt and adequate compensation for affected residents, and enhanced safety measures along the rail corridor to prevent accidents and protect community members. These comprehensive recommendations reflect the community’s desire for a more equitable and sustainable partnership with AML, ensuring that the benefits of the company’s expansion are shared broadly and that the negative impacts are effectively mitigated.
The endorsement of AML’s expansion marks a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the company’s operations in Liberia. The expansion, underpinned by the Third Mineral Development Agreement, holds the promise of significant economic benefits for the country, including increased job opportunities, further infrastructure development, and enhanced social programs. The projected boost in iron ore production is expected to generate greater revenue for the government, supporting vital sectors like education, healthcare, and local business development in the affected communities. AML’s commitment to improved environmental protection measures and enhanced working conditions reinforces the company’s stated goal of contributing to sustainable development in Liberia. The next crucial step involves the Bong County Legislative Caucus and the national government reviewing the community’s recommendations and engaging in negotiations with AML to ensure that the concerns of the affected communities are adequately addressed in the final MDA. The community members have expressed optimism that their voices will be heard and that the proposed measures will lead to tangible improvements in their livelihoods and contribute to meaningful local development. Their expressed hope is that the final agreement will deliver tangible benefits to their communities, solidifying a mutually beneficial partnership between AML and its host communities.
