Kleber Silva, Executive Vice President at ArcelorMittal and CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining, recently toured ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operational areas, expressing immense satisfaction with the progress of community development and healthcare infrastructure projects. His visit underscored the company’s commitment to improving the well-being of its employees and surrounding communities, aligning with ArcelorMittal’s broader corporate social responsibility initiatives. Silva’s itinerary included inspections of newly upgraded hospital facilities in Yekepa and Buchanan, as well as the dedication of new water kiosks providing safe drinking water to neighboring communities. These projects exemplify ArcelorMittal Liberia’s dedication to investing in essential infrastructure that benefits both its workforce and the local population.
Silva’s tour of the modernized Yekepa Hospital highlighted the significant improvements made to the facility, including a new surgery room, emergency unit, and other expanded sections. He expressed his delight at the progress, emphasizing the importance of quality healthcare infrastructure for the well-being of the company’s valued employees and the community. The hospital expansion reflects ArcelorMittal Liberia’s commitment to providing accessible and advanced healthcare services, contributing to a healthier and more productive workforce and surrounding population.
Beyond healthcare, Silva also dedicated new water kiosk facilities in Yekepa, designed to provide safe and readily available drinking water to local communities. The project utilizes modern boreholes, solar-powered pumps, and strategically placed distribution kiosks, ensuring sustainable access to clean water for hundreds of residents. Silva emphasized the critical importance of clean water for community well-being, highlighting the company’s commitment to providing essential resources and improving living standards in the areas where it operates. This investment in water infrastructure demonstrates ArcelorMittal Liberia’s recognition of its role in supporting the overall development and prosperity of the community.
In addition to the community development initiatives, Silva also assessed the progress of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase II Expansion project, particularly focusing on advancements in the rail infrastructure. He toured the Buchanan rail facility and received briefings on key achievements, including upgrades to the Rail Traffic Control System, improvements at the Rail Workshop, and the implementation of stricter housekeeping standards. These improvements aimed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and overall performance of the rail network, crucial for the transport of iron ore.
The rail program also showcased a significant investment in youth empowerment and skills development, with twenty-one young people from neighboring communities employed as Train Assistants. This initiative demonstrates ArcelorMittal Liberia’s dedication to providing opportunities for local youth, equipping them with valuable skills and training to contribute to the company’s operations and their own personal development. The program included a comprehensive training program, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience to prepare the trainees for their roles in the rail operations and the Phase II Expansion project.
Silva’s consistent engagement with ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations underscores his emphasis on tangible investments in key areas like training, healthcare, water access, housing, and community facilities. These initiatives are seen as essential for building trust and fostering shared progress between the company and the communities it operates within. Silva’s leadership emphasizes a holistic approach to development, recognizing the interconnectedness of the company’s success with the well-being of its workforce and the surrounding communities. By focusing on social responsibility and community development, ArcelorMittal Liberia aims to create a positive and sustainable impact in Liberia, beyond its core mining operations. The company’s commitment to investing in these areas reflects its long-term vision for contributing to the country’s overall progress and improving the lives of its people.
