President Joseph N. Boakai has vowed to shutdown Western Cluster due to the company’s refusal to respect its concession agreement signed with the Government of Liberia.
Several citizens within the western region of the Liberia have complained of the company’s failure to uphold the responsibilities of its concession operations which is immensely contributing to severe hardship on them.
The citizens complained that millions of dollars worth of natural resources are being extracted by foreign companies, especially those in the mining sector, but their living conditions in those areas remain appalling.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Bomi County when he went on a guarded tour to inspect projects, President Boakai revealed that he met with the company and informed their lawyers that his government will shut it down.
“Let me tell you that if we do not close Western Cluster down the country will lost the bridges and it will be disaster,” President Boakai said.
He said the government will not sit down to watch this disaster occur because the number of heavy equipment of the company plying the roads at night is unprecedented.
“I went up the hill the last time and Western Cluster is not mining but rather just taking the country’s resources and the country is not getting any reward for it,” he frowned.
Boakai said if Western Cluster wants to invest, it should build their railroad but cannot continue to damage roads and bridges.
Meanwhile, President Boakai said there will be no more shortcuts for contractors that will be given contract to do roads for the government.
The President added that contractors should always complete every contract given to them because the reward will benefit everybody.
He further said there is no need for Liberians to be stuck in mud during rainy season thus, the government must make sure that roads are well paved and people have access to them.
