Buchanan, Grand Bassa County—ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has formally devoted a totally rehabilitated overhead bridge valued at $700,000. The bridge restores an important transportation and financial hall between its port concession and key communities in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
Positioned 2.5 kilometers from the Buchanan Port, the bridge connects AML’s operations with surrounding communities together with Koruah, District Gap, Extra City, Baconie, and the Solar Set Seaside space. Although a public asset, the construction performs a important position in supporting each native commuters and AML’s iron ore railway operations from Mount Tokadeh to the port.
In 2018, AML engineers raised considerations about seen cracks on the bridge’s piers. A joint technical evaluation by the Ministry of Public Works and AML confirmed that the construction was nearing collapse, posing a risk to public security and mining logistics. Regardless of the urgency, the federal government on the time cited a scarcity of sources for repairs.
AML subsequently commissioned an unbiased guide in 2019, whose report detailed worsening structural harm and warned of the approaching hazard the bridge posed to motorists, pedestrians, and operations. With no various funding accessible, AML led efforts to revive the construction.
After high-level consultations with authorities officers and stakeholders, the corporate superior a multi-pronged plan: rerouting site visitors, launching public security consciousness, and pursuing a everlasting structural redesign.
In 2023, AML subcontracted AFCONS, a worldwide engineering agency, to hold out the rehabilitation. Work was accomplished by February 2024, and the bridge was formally handed over to AML for operational integration, marking a complete funding of roughly $700,000.
At Thursday’s dedication ceremony in Buchanan, AML’s Head of Sustainability and Exterior Relations, Marcus Wleh, emphasised the corporate’s long-standing dedication to supporting public infrastructure and protected transport.
“At present, we’ve got come to dedicate this bridge—not simply the bridge, but additionally the rehabilitated street,” Wleh mentioned. “This street and bridge are a part of the various efforts ArcelorMittal continues to make for Liberia.”
Grand Bassa County Improvement Officer Moses Henry, talking on behalf of Superintendent Karyou Johnson, expressed appreciation.
“We describe this nearly as good for now, however we pray for ‘superb,’ and later we want to see ‘wonderful,’” he mentioned, encouraging even better collaboration.
Mayor of Buchanan, George Gaybueh, echoed related sentiments. “This street has been closed for months, however we knew it might reopen. I’m grateful to ArcelorMittal Liberia for this good initiative. This marks the start of extra collaboration with the Metropolis Company.”
Although primarily designed to assist AML’s operations, the bridge additionally serves the broader public, together with logging firms, transporters, and residents of Buchanan. Its restoration eases congestion, improves security, and boosts industrial exercise.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s funding within the 2.5km overhead bridge is a powerful instance of how accountable company citizenship can tackle public infrastructure gaps, promote financial improvement, and assist nationwide progress, even past the boundaries of a concession settlement.
