Contractors of Western Cluster Limited (WCL) are appealing to the government to lift the suspension on the company’s road user permit (RUP). During a mass gathering on Thursday, August 15, 2024, the contractors expressed concern that they have not received payment from the company since the suspension was enacted. According to them, their compensation is directly tied to the transportation of iron ore, and without this activity they are unable to earn their wages. “We are paid based on the transport of iron ore. If the company isn’t transporting, how can they pay us?” they asked.
The group of contractors consists of various subcontracted companies working with Western Cluster. They took the opportunity to call on President Joseph Boakai to intervene by urging the Ministry of Public Works to expedite the process of lifting the suspension. “This is the time our President needs to help us. We are appealing to him to assist in this matter. Schools are reopening next month: how do we pay our children’s fees?” the contractors pleaded.
It can be recalled that on July 12, 2024 the Ministry of Public Works suspended Western Cluster’s road user permit for the third time, citing non-compliance with the environmental permit, which expired on July 5, 2024.
In addition to their appeal to the President, the contractors are also urging the leadership of Bomi County to advocate on their behalf to lift the suspension. They said they believe that, with the county leadership’s involvement, their concerns could be addressed more swiftly.