The chairperson of the affected communities in the operational areas of Western Cluster, Eric Sando Perry, has expressed concerns over the Liberian government’s continuous suspension of the Western Cluster Road User Permit, stating that it has the potential to scare away investors.
In a recent interview on Pumah FM, Perry argued that the best way forward is to sit and discuss the issues rather than suspending the company’s operations, as this stalls the ongoing development work and adversely affects the local communities.
“The government is not doing well for us. Western Cluster is in the region to mine our ore and provide job opportunities for our brothers and sisters. If there are issues, we should sit on the table to resolve them,” Perry stated.
According to Perry, a meeting was held with Western Cluster, the National Investment Commission, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy, where the government entities compelled Western Cluster to take full responsibility for the Liberia Government Hospital, C. H. Dewey Central High School, and Bomi Junior High School.
Western Cluster agreed to these demands and also committed to constructing a regional school in the affected communities and working with cooperatives to cultivate 100 acres of farmland to improve agriculture in the area.
While praising Western Cluster for these initiatives, Perry criticized the government’s decision to continually suspend the WCL road permit, arguing that it hinders the company’s ability to implement projects beneficial to the community. “For the company to implement these projects, it needs to be operational,” Perry said, stressing the necessity for WCL to be allowed to function to fulfill its commitments.
Perry also warned that the government’s actions could deter other investors from investing in the country, emphasizing that dialogue, rather than continued suspension, should be the way forward when addressing issues.
The continuous suspension of the Western Cluster Road User Permit has raised concerns among the affected communities, who fear that it could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s investment climate and the development of the region.
