Students in Gbarpolu County stands to benefit from a scholarship grant worth US$80,000 to ease the burden on their parent.
The scholarships were announced by Bao-Chico Mineral Company under a deal reached with the Government of Liberia (GOL) to mine iron ore in the county.
Boa Chico initially proposed US$30,000 for education in the county, but the amount was increased to US$80,000 by the House during ratification.
According to Gbarpolu County’s Representative, Alfred Koiwood, the House also made other amendments in the agreement to suit the needs of the citizens.
He underscored that the amended deal mandated the company, among other things, to give Liberians the first preference in employment and allow four others to hold senior positions in the company.
The lawmaker also said there were increment and other charges from US$300,000 to US$500,000.
The lawmaker, who hailed his colleagues in the House for ratifying the agreement, said the company provides basic social services to its employees and others residing within the concession area, including healthcare and education.
Representative Koiwood called on Gbarpolu County to embrace the mineral development agreement, saying it will benefit the county the most.