In the aftermath of the recent stampede in New Kru Town, in which 29 people lost their lives, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has expressed its profound condolences to families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
During a visit to New Kru Town Wednesday to identify with the affected, ArcelorMittal Liberia presented the amount (in check) of US$10,000 (ten thousand United States dollars) to support the welfare of the affected.
Making the presentation, AML’s Head of Government and Community Relations, Marcus Wleh, said the management and staff of the company were concerned about the welfare of the affected and wanted to contribute to efforts intended to address some of the immediate and long-term concerns they may have, especially regarding the education of children of some of the deceased.
“They need to go to school and remain in school and to also be taken care of over the period. As such, our gesture is meant to impact them in said direction,” Wleh explained.
He said the US$10,000 will kickstart a “Seed Fund” for those affected by the stampede, and encouraged other goodwill individuals and organizations to reach out to the affected in whatever way.
Receiving the ArcelorMittal Liberia check on behalf of the affected, the Governor of New Kru Town, Moses Weah, expressed thanks to the management and staff of ArcelorMittal Liberia and said the grief being felt was not only by the people of the Township but the entire country.
Governor Weah assured that every support being received for the affected will be well monitored and used for the intended purpose.
Meanwhile, the Internal Affairs Minister, Varney Sirleaf, hailed ArcelorMittal Liberia for the financial support towards the welfare of the affected, describing the gesture as timely.
Minister Sirleaf said ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to demonstrate its strong corporate responsibility values, often going beyond its operation counties whenever it is called to support a worthy cause.
The Internal Affairs Minister said the fund provided by ArcelorMittal Liberia will greatly help those affected.
“The US$10,000 from AML is a good start of the sustainability funds to our people, and we hope others can join this initiative for the betterment of our people,” Minister Sirleaf stated.
He said the government is greatly concerned and is working through the leadership of President Weah to mobilize the needed support for the affected.
