ArcelorMittal is investing thousands of dollars to construct decent play parks in a number of host communities close to its mining and logistics operations.
Frank Diggs Town, Grand Bassa, Zoweinta, Bong, and Yekepa Camp #4, Nimba will see new playgrounds dedicated at the end of April 2023.
It was during one of the recent groundbreaking ceremonies in Zoweinta Town, Bong County that Representative Albert Hills spoke highly of the project and its benefit to chicken in the communities.
Rep Hills said, “The recreational center is a great relief to our children because many a time some of them, when they travel and see these things in other communities, they feel bad and think that society does not have time for them and they also feel that they have been left behind.
“I personally want to extend my thanks and appreciation to ArcelorMittal-Liberia family for this recreation center project that will put smile on the faces of our children,” he added.
The Bong district #1 representative urged constituents to be a part of “this process because this recreation center will encourage those of us whose kids are not going to school to now begin going to school with their friends because the school and the facility will now be more attractive”.
The play park will be constructed on the campuses of the Nyofarkollie Elementary and Junior High School on the outskirts of the town.
Representative Hills however appealed to ArcelorMittal to see if the project can go across all districts in Bong county “so as to put smile on the faces of our kids and future leaders”.
Before his comments, ArcelorMittal Liberia Community Relations Officer for Nimba, Hilton Gontor, said he is of the strongest conviction that the playground will inspire joy and unity among children.
“We strongly believe that this recreation center will bring happiness to our children and the people of this community because ArcelorMittal as an institution is committed to transforming tomorrow,” Gontor stated.
He continued, “Without much ado we just want to leave a word with the people of district #1 and Zoweinta. No development is a development if it is not sustained.
“We are not putting this recreation center here because Zoweinta is beautiful; we are putting this recreation here because it is an entitlement of the people of Zoweinta because they are supporting our operations.”
The ArcelorMittal community relations officer disclosed that the playgrounds will be fenced-in with solar lights installed to permit nighttime recreation for dozens of children.