A service provider in Bomi County has lauded Western Cluster Limited (WCL) for a kind donation to the physically challenged group of people in Bomi County.
Stephen Cole, a service provider, spoke to journalists last week. His statement was triggered by money given by Western Cluster Limited to the county. They allotted US$10,000 (ten thousand United States dollars) to the group.
Recently, Western Cluster Limited made a contribution of US$5 million to the county, in line with its mineral development agreement (MDA). Some of the beneficiaries are Bomi University College and Bomi County Health Team.
“We are very impressed with the donation made to us by Western Cluster Limited because this came to us when we really needed help from people,” he said.
“We are happy for this first donation to our people who cannot see, but we are, at the same time, calling on Western Cluster Limited to please do more because we are taking care of a group of people who cannot move by themselves unless someone carries [leads] them.
“If you people don’t help us, how can we cater to them? And then, we don’t know who will do it for them,” Cole later appealed.
The issue of caring for physically challenged individuals and persons with disability in Liberia has continued to be a serious one facing the government and others.
Like other counties in Liberia, Bomi County is said to have the highest number of blind people in the country, according to statistics.
The physically challenged and persons with disability are most of the time unattended. The allotment to the group will go a long way in addressing some of their immediate and pressing needs.
Western Cluster Limited (WCL), a subsidiary of Sesa Goa, a Vedanta group company, engaged in iron ore mining in Western Liberia, started operations in 2011 but closed due to the Ebola outbreak. It returned last year with a commitment to upholding its agreement, and at the same time empower local communities.
Upon the company’s return, they reiterated their commitment to contribute to socio-economic development through road rehabilitation as well as other positive initiatives.