–WCL Affected Areas’ Chairman Warns Gov’t
The Chairperson of the affected communities in the operational areas of Western Cluster Liberia (WCL), Eric Sando Perry, says the constant suspension of Western Cluster Road User Permit has the propensity to scare away investors, noting that the best way forward is to sit and discuss and move forward rather than suspending its operation. That alone, he said, stalls the operation and development work of the company, and will adversely affect the concession communities.
Perry made the statement last week in a telephone interview on a local radio station in Bomi County.
“The government is not doing well for us. Western Cluster is in the region to mine our ore and provide job opportunities for our brothers and sisters. If there are issues, we should sit on the table to resolve them,” Perry stated.
Perry disclosed that a meeting was held with Western Cluster, the National Investment Commission (NIC), and the Ministry of Mines and Energy to discuss issues relative to the mineral development agreement (MDA).
During the meeting, government entities compelled Western Cluster to take full responsibility for the government-owned hospital, C.H. Dewey Central High School, and Bomi Junior High School. Western Cluster agreed to these demands, and also committed to constructing a regional school in the affected communities and working with cooperatives to cultivate 100 acres of farmland to improve agriculture in the area.
While praising Western Cluster for these initiatives, Perry criticized the government’s decision to continually suspend its road permit. He argued that the continued suspension hinders the company’s ability to implement projects beneficial to the community.
“For the company to implement these projects, it needs to be operational,” Perry said, stating the necessity for WCL to be allowed to function to fulfill its commitments, such as building the regional school and taking over the hospital and schools.
Perry also warned that the government’s action could deter other investors from investing in the country. He underscored that dialogue, rather than continued suspension, should be the way forward when addressing issues.