ArcelorMittal Liberia is upscaling investment to improve access to safe-drinking water with the construction of twelve (12) modern water kiosks in its communities. Construction of two of the water kiosks in Areas S and Q of Yekepa is fast progressing, while the others are underway.
Each kiosk will be equipped with filtration systems to ensure water quality, and a solar system to pump the water. The kiosks will serve as a hub for community engagement and education about water conservation and hygiene practices.
The construction of the two water kiosks in Yekepa is in line with a 2022 recommendation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Before the start of construction, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Community Relations Department held consultations with community leaders and residents to gather input on the project. This participatory approach helped build trust and will ensure that the kiosks would meet the actual needs of the people. Community members will be trained to manage and maintain the kiosks, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
“We are excited to be working with our communities to address a critical need such as access to safe and reliable drinking water. This is another example of how we can collaborate to achieve more without engaging in fights or any form of violence,” explained Vaanii Kiazolu, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Community Relations Manager.
Kiazolu said the construction of the water kiosks will, amongst several things improve access to safe drinking water, thereby reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases, increase awareness on water conservation and hygiene, and help foster social cohesion and collaboration.
The project has been positively received by the communities, with residents commending ArcelorMittal Liberia for the initiative.
“The water system we are using right now is not good. The water is not safe for drinking, but we do not have any option. Now that ArcelorMittal has come to build a water tower for us, we are very happy and want to say a big thank you to ArcelorMittal Liberia. It will be safe for our children because they will not have to bent over the well anymore to fetch water,” explained Sieneh Browne, a female resident of Area Q in Yekepa.
For his part, Perry Keideah, Security General of Area Q Community, said his community welcomes the project because it will help transform the “primitive” way they are currently fetching water to a modern and safe way, once the water kiosk is completed and operating.
“Residents of Area Q are very happy. We say thank you to ArcelorMittal Liberia because the water we’re drinking right now is not safe,” he stated.
The water kiosks construction is being implemented by Liberian-owned companies and local contractors and suppliers. This approach not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the kiosks are tailored to the specific needs of the communities.
As the construction of the two water kiosks in Areas S and Q is ongoing ArcelorMittal Liberia will shortly launch the construction of additional ten water kiosks in its ‘Fenceline Communities’ to improve access to safe drinking water.
At the same time, the company will be rehabilitating over sixty (60) non-functional hand pumps in its ‘Fenceline Communities,’ from the mines in Yekepa, along the railway, to the port in Buchanan.
When completed, these initiatives will create increased access to safe and reliable drinking water to community residents.
ArcelorMittal Liberia is committed to continuing its partnership with local communities to monitor the impact of the projects and explore further initiatives that promote sustainable development.
