The Inspector General of Police, Gregory O.W Coleman, has made an interaction with citizens of the two ArcelorMittal Liberia-affected communities. The engagement is part of his extensive community policing program across the country with residents of Zolowee and Gbapa, Nimba County.
The two-day dialogue began on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 and ended on Thursday, August 8, 2024 in an effort to proactively engage the leadership of ArcelorMittal Liberia and affected communities, Zolowee and Gbapa, in the concessional area.
During the discourse, the LNP IG appreciated the residents of Zolowee and Gbapa, who continue to exemplify good patriotism by respecting the rule of Law. “I want to tell you people thank you for helping to arrest and turn over someone who allegedly murdered your own daughter, but did not involve [yourselves] into mob violence, unlike other communities,” IGP said.
In an interactive forum, the residents of the two towns expressed their grievances, including delay in payment of resettlement benefits, destroyed crops, unemployment, high criminal rate in the towns and water pollution, among others.
In brief remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ArcelorMittal, Michiel Van Der Merwe, expressed thanks and appreciation to the citizens of Zolowee and Gbapa, and promised a good working relationship.
He further urged the citizens to exercise patience, especially in channeling their grievances with the company. “I am appealing to you to exercise patience. Though we cannot employ everyone, things will get better soon,” Merwe said.
At the same time, IG Coleman has promised to train and set up a community watch forum (CWF) in the coming weeks. “This community will be part of a pilot project for me. We will break the organized crimes and expose the criminals,” IG Coleman assured. He further encouraged the citizens to exercise restraint whilst their concerns are being addressed.
Meanwhile, the citizens of the two towns commended the Inspector General for his timely intervention and promised to be law-abiding as they await redress.
