Nimba County, Liberia – The Nimba County Legislative Caucus has issued a stern warning that it will vehemently oppose any renewal of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) concession agreement unless the company takes concrete action to address long-standing grievances. Speaking through Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. at the United Nimba Citizen Council Convention Ball and Queen Coronation Program in the United States on May 24, 2024, the Caucus articulated the growing frustrations of Nimba citizens regarding AML’s operations and the perceived lack of developmental benefits for local communities.
Senator Twayen emphasized that the Caucus has reached a firm position following extensive consultations with constituents and stakeholders, signaling an end to the era of “eluding and deluding” the people of Nimba. He stressed that the current generation of lawmakers is committed to ensuring that the county’s rich resources translate into visible and sustainable development for its populace.
At the core of the Caucus’s concerns are critical demands for tangible infrastructure improvements and enhanced social services. Senator Twayen outlined a series of non-negotiable conditions that must be met before any consideration of AML’s concession renewal. Chief among these is the full pavement of the Sanniquellie to Yekepa road, a vital artery for transportation and commerce that has remained in deplorable condition for decades.
The Senator also called for the urgent completion and relocation of the long-delayed J.W. Harley Hospital, underscoring the necessity of a fully equipped and functional healthcare facility to serve the local population. Additionally, the Caucus insists on the regular maintenance of roads within affected communities, demanding AML’s commitment to year-round upkeep of both major and feeder routes within its concession area.
Education and healthcare infrastructure were also highlighted, with demands for upgraded schools and clinics in areas impacted by the company’s operations. The condition of housing in Yekepa was another significant point of contention; Senator Twayen criticized AML for housing workers in containers instead of renovating existing units. He warned that if AML fails to act, the county will move to take over and refurbish these units under its current administration.
Finally, the Caucus is demanding meaningful employment opportunities for qualified Nimbaians, particularly at managerial and decision-making levels within AML’s operations.
“These are not just conditions; they are demands that reflect the aspirations of the people of Nimba,” Senator Twayen stated. He concluded by affirming the Caucus’s unwavering position: “Unless these issues are satisfactorily addressed, they will categorically oppose any renewal of AML’s concession agreement.”
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