Western Cluster Liberia Limited (WCL) continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering positive relationships with local communities through open dialogue and tangible action. On Friday, October 25, 2024, the government through the National Bureau of Concessions hosted a high-level stakeholders meeting in Tubmanburg, aimed at addressing key concerns raised by citizens and community leaders about employment, education, environmental management, and healthcare services within Western Cluster company.
The meeting brought together local leaders, government officials, civil society representatives, and WCL executives. The engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to align expectations and build on the company’s commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development.
“WCL is here to be a reliable partner to the people of Bomi County. We are listening, taking action, and working closely with stakeholders to ensure a long-term positive impact,” said Joseph Coalho.
*Employment: Empowering Liberians with Job Opportunities*
Addressing the community’s concerns about employment, Coalho highlighted WCL’s adherence to Liberia’s labor laws and the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), ensuring that all unskilled labor positions are reserved for Liberians.
“We are proud to say that no non-Liberians are employed in unskilled roles. We want the people of Bomi County to benefit directly from the opportunities created by our operations,” Coalho emphasized.
In a move to enhance job security, WCL has initiated a process to transition contractor workers to permanent employment.
“Within the next three months, workers employed through Construction and Mining Contractors (CMC) will become part of the WCL family,” Coalho announced.
To ensure fairness and transparency in recruitment, WCL has also established a hiring committee that includes representatives from local authorities.
*Education and Training: Investing in the Future of Bomi County*
At the heart of WCL’s commitment to community development is its focus on education and skills training. Coalho outlined the company’s efforts to build a Technical Training Centre in collaboration with the Bomi County Council, with the facility set to open by November 2024.
“Our goal is to equip local youth with the skills they need to thrive in the mining industry, including machinery operation, engineering, and health and safety management,” Coalho shared.
Currently, 27 young people from Bomi County are undergoing training to take up roles at the company’s crushing plant, reflecting WCL’s commitment to empowering the next generation.
Looking ahead, WCL plans to construct a school for employees’ children, with construction set to begin in 2025. Additionally, the company has shared a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bomi Community College, opening doors for vocational programs that will further enhance the skills of local youth.
*Environmental Stewardship: Transparency and Accountability*
WCL has placed environmental responsibility at the core of its operations. In response to community concerns about transparency, the company reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and open access to critical reports.
“Our Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) have been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and updated in 2022. Copies are now with local authorities for review and community distribution,” Coalho explained.
WCL ensures regular environmental monitoring in partnership with an EPA-accredited agency to mitigate any environmental risks.
“We take environmental management seriously and will continue to work diligently to safeguard the environment in alignment with national and international standards,” Coalho assured the community.
*Healthcare: Delivering Early Solutions and Long-Term Care*
While WCL is still in the early stages of its operations, the company has already taken steps to meet healthcare needs in the community.
“We have established a mini-clinic at our worksite, staffed with qualified personnel to provide first aid, routine care, and emergency services,” Coalho shared.
WCL is also partnering with the Liberia Government Hospital (LGH) in Tubmanburg by providing fuel and maintenance support for the hospital’s ambulance service.
As part of its long-term plan, the company is committed to constructing a hospital for employees within the next three years, ensuring that healthcare remains a key focus. Additionally, all WCL employees benefit from comprehensive medical and accident insurance, with access to advanced medical care when required.
*Commitment to Ongoing Engagement and Community Empowerment*
Throughout the meeting, Coalho emphasized the company’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
“We understand the importance of our role in the community, and we are committed to fulfilling our obligations. Open communication and ongoing engagement will remain at the core of our operations,” Coalho affirmed.
WCL pledged to provide regular updates on the progress of its initiatives and announced plans to hold additional meetings with stakeholders to address emerging issues.
*Building Trust and Cooperation for a Brighter Future*
Although recent protests by concerned citizens highlighted frustrations, WCL’s stakeholder meeting marked a significant step toward building trust and fostering cooperation.
Coalho expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the community and reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to making a positive impact.
“We are not just here to mine resources; we are here to build a future with the people of Bomi County. Together, we can create sustainable growth and prosperity,” Coalho concluded.
As WCL continues to implement its plans, the company looks forward to strengthening relationships with the community, ensuring that both residents and the company benefit from the partnership.
Western Cluster Liberia Limited remains focused on delivering inclusive development, sustainable practices, and economic growth, setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility in Liberia.
