Yekepa – Nimba County Superintendent, Kou Meapeh Gono has applauded ArcelorMittal for what she described as a Daring Step in Liberia’s industrial evolution with the commissioning of its Concentrator Plant in Tokedeh, Nimba County.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Talking on the latest dedicatory ceremony of the plant, the Nimba County administrator mentioned the development of the plant, which marks the transition from direct ore exportation to worth addition, is a key step towards a extra strong, sustainable, and inclusive economic system and a milestone in Liberia’s improvement journey.
“We commend ArcelorMittal Liberia for its imaginative and prescient and long-term dedication to Liberia. Allow us to not overlook: it was in 2005, when our nation was nonetheless fragile and rising from the ashes of civil battle, that ArcelorMittal grew to become the primary main multinational investor to consider in Liberia’s future. That was a daring and historic choice. For that early belief — and the continual partnership since — we are saying thanks,” asserted the Supt. Gono.
A New Day, New Expectations
Nonetheless, as Liberia evolves, she famous that the brand new agreements function a information to Liberia’s extractive sector because the circumstances that justified most of the compromises within the unique Mineral Growth Settlement (MDA) have modified.
“Liberia is now not a post-conflict nation in restoration — we’re a steady democracy that has held 4 peaceable presidential elections and transitions of energy,” she said, stressing that it’s now time that the brand new or revised agreements replicate this progress and the rightful aspirations of Liberians
Implementing Mining Legal guidelines: Liberians First
Superintendent Gono urged that the present and future frameworks for mining operations give full impact to Liberia’s labor and mining legal guidelines, notably people who give desire to certified Liberians over overseas hires.
Native Voices in MDA Negotiations
She factors out that the time has come for native authorities and affected communities to have a seat on the desk through the evaluate or extension of the MDA.
In reference to the Income Sharing Regulation and the Native Authorities Act as basis for a extra decentralized and inclusive governance mannequin, Madam Gono pushed for a bottom-up strategy be utilized in shaping mineral agreements.
In response to her, native realities and aspirations could be absolutely built-in into nationwide selections which empower the county administration.
“The Superintendent superintends all funds of the county and leads the President’s improvement agenda within the counties. We strongly name on AML to assist your improvement agenda by abiding by the Public Monetary Administration Legal guidelines and the Native Authorities Act of 2018 legal guidelines that present that the heads of counties handle all public funds and execute the event agenda all through the counties.”
Company Social Accountability: A Name for Growth
Consequently, as operations develop and manufacturing intensifies, she confused that the advantages to host communities should develop.
She really useful a rise within the Company Social Accountability (CSR) or County Social Growth Fund allocation to the concession counties through the subsequent spherical of MDA discussions.
“This enhance ought to correspond to the size of operations and straight assist improved infrastructure, training, healthcare, job coaching, and financial empowerment for our residents.”
A Phrase to Our Youth
Superintendent Gono reminded youth of Liberia, particularly, the affected counties, to see the plant as a doorway to alternative, which should be walked by way of with preparation.
She referred to as on youth of the county and Liberia at giant to decide to studying the talents, buying the self-discipline, and demonstrating the maturity required to earn and hold the roles that this enlargement will convey.
Violence and protest don’t clear up issues — dialogue, abilities, and technique do.
Whereas acknowledging that a few of the considerations raised by aggrieved residents are proper, Supt. Gono warns in opposition to violence and protest, which in response to her, don’t clear up issues.
Madam Gono craved the indulgence of residents to revert their motion to dialogue, abilities and technique as a way of resolving excellent points.
“We’ll work with the youth. We’ll work with the Legislative Caucus. We’ll work with AML to make sure that these considerations are heard and options are discovered. We’ve got been talking with Michel, the CEO and he’s doing effectively. We belief that he’s dedicated to sitting with us and discovering options for the younger folks and the Communities.”
A Partnership for Progress
The Nimba County Superintendent believes that the commissioning of the concentrator is a logo of a partnership that should now transfer ahead with deeper collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.
“Let this be the daybreak of a brand new, shared period of commercial progress and social justice — one the place funding drives progress, and progress delivers dignity. To ArcelorMittal, to the Authorities of Liberia, and to the folks of Nimba — congratulations on this essential milestone.”
