ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), a prominent mining company operating in Liberia, has embarked on a significant community road rehabilitation project in Kakata, Margibi County, eliciting widespread praise and gratitude from local residents and officials. The initiative, which involves the reconstruction of a 28-kilometer stretch of road connecting Kpelleh Town to the Firestone Staff Club, represents a substantial investment of $527,000 by AML. This endeavor has been lauded as a commendable act of corporate social responsibility, particularly because AML’s primary mining operations are not located in Margibi County. Former Superintendent John Z. Buway Sr. highlighted the significance of AML’s intervention, emphasizing that the company’s voluntary commitment to improving public infrastructure in a region outside its core operational area deserves national recognition.
The dilapidated road, which had long posed challenges for residents, commuters, and businesses, will undergo comprehensive rehabilitation, including structural enhancements, improved drainage systems, and road reinforcement. These upgrades aim to ensure year-round accessibility, regardless of weather conditions, alleviating the hardships previously experienced by the community. AML’s decision to undertake this project stemmed from a community request championed by Margibi County District #4 Representative, Hellen Wureh, underscoring the company’s responsiveness to local needs.
At the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, AML representatives emphasized the company’s dedication to community development initiatives that extend beyond its mining concessions in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties. Marcus Wleh, Head of Sustainability and External Relations, reiterated AML’s commitment to addressing community needs whenever possible, highlighting the collaborative approach taken in consultation with Firestone Liberia, whose long-standing presence in the area necessitated prior approval for the project. Jallah Selmah, General Manager of Mines, underscored the importance of meaningful community engagement, emphasizing that tangible actions, like the road rehabilitation project, demonstrate AML’s genuine commitment to its host communities.
The responsibility for executing the road rehabilitation has been entrusted to Frebenja Group of Companies, a Liberian-owned firm headed by Margibi native Fred Kennedy. Kennedy pledged to adhere to the highest quality standards, ensuring compliance with both AML’s requirements and the community’s expectations. This collaboration with a local company further amplifies the project’s positive impact on the community, promoting local employment and economic empowerment.
The project has been met with overwhelming appreciation from residents, who expressed gratitude for AML’s intervention in addressing a long-standing challenge. Students, like Hawa Peters from the Booker Washington Institute, voiced relief at the prospect of improved transportation conditions, acknowledging the significant difference the road rehabilitation will make in their daily lives. Business owners also welcomed the project, anticipating enhanced accessibility and improved business prospects. The community’s response underscores the tangible benefits that corporate social responsibility initiatives can bring to local populations.
AML’s investment in Margibi County serves as a compelling example of public-private partnerships that effectively address critical development needs. Former Superintendent Buway’s call for support for such collaborations reflects the broader recognition of the crucial role that private sector engagement can play in national development. The Kakata road rehabilitation project stands as a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses prioritize community well-being and invest in sustainable development initiatives. As construction progresses, the residents of Kakata look forward to the transformative effects of this much-needed infrastructure improvement.
