Augustus Zomonway, the Commissioner of Yarmein Administrative District, Nimba County, has commended ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) for its on-going effort to rehabilitate the Deader Road in the district. This initiative is part of AML’s broader commitment to the communities affected by its mining operations.
Yarmein is one of the areas impacted by AML’s activities. Recently, citizens from Yarmein, Sehyi, and Zor chiefdoms engaged in a peaceful dialogue facilitated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs last month. During this meeting, AML agreed to undertake a road rehabilitation project before the onset of the rainy season to benefit the affected communities.
Commissioner Zomonway expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the roadwork, stating, “I am very delighted to see ArcelorMittal fixing our roads because the road was in a very, very deplorable condition. We could hardly drive cars on the road to reach some of the critical areas, mainly places like Bona. In fact, today, I spoke with the engineer working on the road, and I am very happy.”
Zomonway also urged AML to extend the road rehabilitation to other parts of Yarmein, including Gbaleaye, to alleviate the transportation challenges faced by the residents. “Everybody is feeling happy because such a thing was not happening, so our people are happy to see the company fix the road,” he added.
The improved road infrastructure in the community is expected to have economic benefits for both the citizens and the government. It will facilitate the transportation of essential food crops and generate income for the government. Additionally, the rehabilitated roads will enable quicker transportation of sick individuals to medical facilities, enhancing access to healthcare.
“All of this is happening under my leadership, and I am happy, and I feel proud,” Zomonway stated.
ArcelorMittal Liberia rehabilitates several kilometers of roads annually in Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba counties as part of its non-mineral development agreement support for the communities affected by its operations. In preparation for the rainy season, the company has rehabilitated several miles of feeder roads in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County.
In Nimba County, AML consistently assists with the maintenance of key roads, especially in the host communities, as requested by community leaders. Notably, AML is also independently paving the Ganta-to-Yekepa Road at a cost of more than $40 million, a project not mandated by its agreement with the Liberian government.
The on-going road rehabilitation efforts by AML are expected to improve transportation infrastructure in the affected communities, enhancing economic activities and access to essential services.