Since the advent of ArcelorMittal’s investment in Liberia, the company has not only taken a major burden in addressing unemployment in Liberia by hiring thousands of unemployed people, but also been a leader in revenue generation for the development of Liberia. The company has proved to be a reliable and dependable partner to the people of Liberia, particularly, in time of needs and crises. This was seen recently by ArcerlorMittal’s overwhelming support for the restoration of the St. John bridge, which connects Grand Bassa County to major national public facilities, including the Roberts International Airport, and the metroplex of Liberia.
Rehabilitation of the St. John River Bridge in Grand Bassa began Saturday, June 10, 2023 with major support from ArcelorMittal Liberia through its contracted technical companies.
ArcelorMittal has supplied the required logistics and technical equipment needed to safely complete the rehabilitation of the bridge under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works.
The company has supplied 200 tons of hydraulic jacks, steel plates, rubber membranes and a 10KVA generator.
Among other equipment and supplies completely underwritten by the global steel company are trucks, elephant feet support, cranes, compactor, fuel, manpower, amongst other equipment and supplies.
Over the past week, ArcelorMittal Liberia provided tents and catered meal services (three times a day) for the security team assigned at the St. John Bridge, which reported cracks about two ago.
AML is also covering the cost of hotel accommodation and feeding for a five-man technical team from the Ministry of Public Works for the duration of the St. John River Bridge’s rehabilitation.
Cracks on the lower end of the St. John Bridge has, for about two weeks, hindered the transportation of goods, which resulted into the hike in the prices of essential commodities in Buchanan.
ArcelorMittal Liberia Spokesman, Winston Daryoue, told reporters that AML, as a longtime partner of Grand Bassa and the Liberian people, is happy to deliver such technical and logistical support for the repair of such critical public infrastructure.
Daryoue disclosed that AML’s CEO, Joep Coenen, has instructed the AML technical team to give maximum support and to remain engaged until the completion of repairs.
As the largest foreign investor in Liberia, ArcelorMittal Liberia has invested over US$1.7 billion in the country over the past 15 years, and has proposed a massive brownfield expansion.
The company has been an integral part of government’s drive to deliver healthcare, education and community services in Grand Bassa, Nimba and Bong counties—the three counties affected by its mining and logistics operations.
Its phase two expansion project is creating over 3,000 formal and informal job opportunities, with Liberians filling most of the roles being created.
