Kakata, Margibi County – Former Superintendent of Margibi County, John Z. Buway Sr., has praised ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) for launching a significant neighborhood highway rehabilitation initiative in Kakata, describing the corporate’s intervention as “commendable” and a gesture worthy of nationwide appreciation.
Reacting on social media, Mr. Buway emphasised the undertaking’s significance, notably as a result of AML shouldn’t be an NGO or a authorities establishment however has nonetheless dedicated over half one million US {dollars} to bettering public infrastructure.
“It’s all the time good to say THANKS for the great issues individuals do for you!” Buway wrote. “ArcelorMittal shouldn’t be an NGO however spending a bit of over half one million USD to rehabilitate the 26 Gate to Kacity highway, roughly 5 kilometers, for all-season use is commendable yah! And thanks additionally to all who made this doable—be it authorities or civil society actors!”
On Tuesday Might 13, 2025, AML formally broke floor on the rehabilitation of a 28-kilometer stretch of highway connecting Kakata’s Kpelleh City to the Firestone Workers Membership. The undertaking, valued at $527,000, is being undertaken in response to a neighborhood request spearheaded by Margibi County District #4 Consultant, Hellen Wureh.
The highway had lengthy deteriorated, inflicting hardship for residents, commuters, and companies. The rehabilitation, which incorporates structural upgrades, improved drainage, and highway reinforcement, goals to make the hall usable all year long—no matter climate situations.
On the undertaking launch, AML’s Head of Sustainability and Exterior Relations, Marcus Wleh, harassed that the corporate’s help for neighborhood growth extends effectively past its mining concession areas in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties.
“We worth our communities and transcend the scope of the place we work,” stated Wleh. “We’re not the Ministry of Public Works, however we reply to neighborhood wants when doable. After thorough session and planning, we’re launching this undertaking right here in Margibi.”
Wleh disclosed that AML obtained approval from Firestone Liberia earlier than continuing with development, in respect of the corporate’s longstanding presence within the space.
Additionally talking, AML’s Normal Supervisor of Mines, Jallah Selmah, stated the corporate prioritizes significant neighborhood engagement.
“Any normal mining operation won’t ever draw back from neighborhood engagement,” Selmah stated. “It’s not nearly saying good day; it’s about doing one thing tangible. This highway is an effective instance.”
Frebenja Group of Corporations, a Liberian-owned agency led by Margibi native Fred Kennedy, has been contracted to hold out the work. Kennedy pledged to make sure the best high quality, each in compliance with AML’s requirements and neighborhood expectations.
Residents, together with college students and enterprise house owners, expressed gratitude for the undertaking. Hawa Peters, a scholar on the Booker Washington Institute, stated the highway work would ease years of hardship attributable to the poor highway situations.
“Hopefully the stress of transferring up and down on such a nasty highway is lastly coming to an finish with the assistance of ArcelorMittal,” she stated. “The corporate might have taken this undertaking elsewhere however selected to assist us right here in Margibi.”
This initiative in Margibi—outdoors AML’s core operational counties—demonstrates the corporate’s broader dedication to nationwide growth. Former Superintendent Buway echoed this sentiment, urging Liberians to help public-private partnerships that ship actual impression.
“My ownpa, I na need the federal government fail oooo,” he added. “When she fails, all of us will really feel it unhealthy approach. Let’s pray for fulfillment yahhhhhh!”
Because the equipment prepares to roll, the individuals of Kakata are hopeful that this long-awaited growth.
