SDI Applauds President Boakai’s Resolve Against Western Cluster’s Mining Activities – President’s Stand Against Mining Giant: A Call for Accountability in Liberia’s Natural Resource Sector.
The Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) has commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his recent firm stance against the activities of Western Cluster Liberia Limited, signaling a readiness to shut down the company if necessary to address concerns about its iron ore mining operations.
President Boakai voiced apprehensions about the mining company’s activities in the western region of Liberia, particularly highlighting issues related to ore transportation. Concerns include the strain on road infrastructure, traffic congestion, potential environmental hazards, and safety risks to motorists. The degradation of roads in Gbarpolu, Bomi, and the route to the Freeport of Monrovia prompted the President’s intervention, sparking discussions about the company’s presence in Liberia and the prospect of closure.
While inspecting a road rehabilitation project in Bomi, President Boakai stated, “I just met with the lawyer for Western Cluster this morning and I informed him that we’re considering shutting them down. Minister, let me tell you, if we don’t shut down Western Cluster, we’ll lose our bridges, and the consequences will be dire… When I visited the site last time, it was evident that Western Cluster isn’t just mining; they’re exploiting our resources without fair compensation. I made it clear this morning that we’re moving towards closure… If they wish to continue investing, they should consider building a railway.”
The SDI, an environmental and concession watchdog, praised President Boakai’s acknowledgment of Western Cluster’s apparent disregard for the terms of the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) it holds with the government. The SDI highlighted the environmental damage, socio-economic impacts on rural communities, and the deterioration of major roads caused by Western Cluster’s operations in Western Liberia and the Freeport of Monrovia.
The organization emphasized that the President’s stance aligns with its ongoing advocacy campaigns, urging concessionaires like Western Cluster to adhere to regulations or face consequences for their actions. The SDI emphasized that it has long raised concerns about companies neglecting community issues, and it welcomes the recognition by the President and the potential accountability it may bring.
In addition to falling out of favor with the President, Western Cluster Limited has also drawn criticism from Senators representing its operational counties, namely Bomi, Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu. Senators Edwin M. Snowe (Bomi) and Amara M. Konneh (Gbarpolu) echoed the President’s call for the company’s closure, citing breaches of agreements and the failure to construct a railway as promised.
The SDI cautioned that the President’s stance on Western Cluster should not be merely symbolic but should entail genuine efforts to transform business practices. The organization emphasized the dangers posed by the company’s heavy trucking activities to rural communities and road users, advocating for similar inspections at all concession sites across Liberia.
Moreover, the SDI warned of the far-reaching consequences of neglecting infrastructure, including economic hardship, increased commodity prices, agricultural losses, loss of lives, and environmental degradation. The organization noted that similar issues exist in various sectors, including palm oil, logging, and mining, necessitating robust monitoring and accountability measures.
In its recommendations to the Liberian Government, the SDI called for a comprehensive review of existing agreements with companies like Western Cluster, incorporating community input and ensuring adherence to international standards. The organization urged the government to hold companies accountable for damages caused and to empower regulatory bodies for effective monitoring and evaluation.
The SDI reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for social and environmental justice, pledging to support national efforts in safeguarding community interests and promoting sustainable development
The SDI reiterated its commitment to robustly supporting national initiatives aimed at safeguarding social and environmental justice. They emphasized the importance of actively engaging with civil society organizations and ensuring the full participation of affected communities in decision-making processes regarding concession agreements.
Furthermore, the SDI recommended a thorough review of all oil palm and logging concessions across Liberia, advocating for agreements that prioritize the interests of local communities and canceling those found to be exploitative or detrimental to the nation’s welfare.
The institution also called for logging companies that owe communities substantial sums in land rental fees to fulfill their obligations or face legal repercussions. They stressed the need for political will to strengthen regulatory bodies and allocate adequate resources for effective oversight of concession activities.
In addition, the SDI urged transparency in naming and holding accountable companies that fail to fulfill their contractual obligations, emphasizing the importance of compensating communities for damages caused by non-compliance.
Finally, the SDI expressed its readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the equitable and sustainable management of Liberia’s natural resources. They affirmed their commitment to monitoring developments closely to ensure that governmental statements translate into tangible actions that benefit the country and its citizens.
In summary, the SDI’s recommendations underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the management of natural resource concessions in Liberia, with a focus on accountability, community participation, and environmental sustainability.
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