By Samuel T. Jabba
This is the first of a two-part series examining a logging contract and a mining license operating within a community forest in Gbarpolu County.
GBARQUOITA, Gbarpolu County — Residents of the Bondi Mandingo Authorized Community Forest have signed a new logging agreement aimed at reviving forestry operations and securing long-promised benefits after a previous timber contract ended in controversy and litigation.
The seven-year contract, signed on July 24 with Kisvan Timber Corporation, grants the company rights to harvest timber in the 37,222-hectare community forest located in Bopolu District. Community leaders say the new agreement contains stricter safeguards designed to prevent a repeat of past failures that left residents without promised benefits.
“We had a similar issue before, but what encouraged me about this agreement is that it is time-bound,” said Mark Dennis, Chief Officer of the Bondi Mandingo Community Forest. “This will not be a situation where logs are taken away and communities have to wait indefinitely for their payments.”
Under the agreement, Kisvan is required to pay US$25,590 annually in land rental fees, US$3 per cubic meter in harvesting fees, one of the highest rates in Liberia’s forestry sector, and an additional US$7,000 annually for healthcare support. The company is also obligated to provide educational assistance, funding for forest protection activities, office facilities for community leadership, road rehabilitation projects, and a sawmill.
Dennis said representatives from six affected communities endorsed the agreement after months of consultations. Before pursuing another logging arrangement, community leaders had considered a conservation-based model, but negotiations eventually collapsed, prompting a return to commercial timber operations.
The decision was heavily influenced by the community’s experience with its previous contractor, Indo Africa Plantations Liberia Incorporated. The company reportedly failed to honor key financial and development commitments despite extensive logging activities in the forest.
According to court records, Indo Africa owed the community more than US$400,000 and failed to deliver promised roads, schools, employment opportunities, and other social benefits. Last month, a court in Bopolu ruled in favor of community leaders and terminated the contract.
“In the first contract, we never realized the benefits we were promised,” Dennis said. “Logs were exported, but the community received little in return. We are still expecting compensation from that agreement.”
Indo Africa also left behind an estimated 10,000 cubic meters of harvested timber, scattered across forest areas and roadsides around Gbarquoita. Reporters observed hundreds of abandoned logs, including valuable timber species, still lying in the area.
Under the new arrangement, Kisvan is expected to assume ownership of the abandoned logs, subject to approval from sector regulators.
Residents say the sight of the abandoned timber reinforced demands for stronger accountability measures.
“We were angry when we saw the number of logs left behind in the forest,” said Fatu David, Chairlady of Gbarquoita Town. “We felt we had no other option but to support a new arrangement that could bring benefits to the people.”
Unlike the previous contract, Kisvan must deposit harvesting fees into the community account before timber exports occur. The agreement also outlines specific project deadlines, including completion of the Bopolu-Gbarquoita road by March next year.
Community members are additionally guaranteed access to mid-level employment opportunities within the company, while leaders retain the right to pursue legal action should the company fail to meet its obligations.
“We have ensured that community members will be able to monitor operations closely,” Dennis said. “We are reviewing the company’s documents and keeping watch over everything.”
Despite those assurances, concerns remain over Kisvan’s track record. The company previously operated in the Central Morweh Community Forest in River Cess County, where a logging contract reportedly ended early amid disputes over payments and project implementation.
Kisvan denies wrongdoing in the Central Morweh case and did not respond to requests for comment regarding the Bondi Mandingo agreement.
Meanwhile, another challenge looms over the forest.
A gold exploration license held by J.M. Mining Company overlaps portions of the community forest, raising fears about potential conflicts between mining and logging activities. Community members reported ongoing exploration work around the Kpo Mountain area, where machinery, exploration pits, and workers’ camps have already been established.
“Our concern is that mining activities could eventually create problems for the logging operation,” said Stanford David, General Town Chief of the Bondi Clan.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy, however, maintains that exploration activities can coexist with forestry operations because exploration licenses are primarily research focused.
J.M. Mining also dismissed fears of conflict.
“The issue of having logging and mining operations in the same area will be managed,” said Hilary Simmons, a manager with the company. “With proper understanding among stakeholders, I do not believe there will be any conflict.”
For now, community leaders remain cautiously optimistic that the new agreement will succeed where the previous contract failed.
“I cannot say I trust every promise completely,” Dennis said. “But I believe there is a strong chance that this agreement will bring benefits to our people if everyone fulfills their responsibilities.”
