IPNews-Grand Kru County: The President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Albert Chie, wants mining Companies operating in Grand Kru to provide assistance to affected Communities .
Pro-Temp Albert T. Chie during a visit yesterday to one of the popular mining sites in Parluken , specifically, Ma Mary Village frowned on the deplorable condition of the road leading to Forpoh , the seat of Parluken Statutory District.
The Pro-Temp is currently touring Grand Kru, ahead of President George M. Weah arrival, as part of his County tours.
The Grand Kru Senator urged local authorities in the area to ensure that small companies who are engaged in mining activities help recondition the major roads .
Visiting the mining site, he noted: “ I was told that members of the Armed Forces of Liberia are here, and their presence is intimidating the authority, so I am here to find out. If it is true, as a senior government official, I will make sure the necessary actions are taken. It is totally out of their called to duty. For the rest of the other mining activities, I am not here to do the job of the Mine and Energy Ministry, they will come and do their job” he said.
In response, the President of Forpoh Mining and Agriculture Cooperative Society, H. Mogarbe Williams told the Pro-Temp that personnel of the Army were presence in the area, but their mission was to recondition the roads, following which Mogarbe said the force immediately left.
He categorically denied the presence of AFL solider in Forpoh, as been alleged.
Pro-Temp Chie at the same time indicated that amidst the bad road connectivity in Grand Kru, there is a need for citizens to remain patient as Central government exert efforts to pave the road from Buchanan to Greenville, and the Barclayville to Harper, corridors.
He stated that the current government has gotten commitment from some of its development partners to have the south East roads constructed
“ As you may be aware to construct one mile road is US$ 1 million and we are told that the corridor from Buchanan to Plebo is about 300miles and the one from Ganta is about 350 miles , so to fix all the major roads leading to the South East will cost government approximately US$ 600 million. We are pleased that the African Development Bank has approved US$50 million for the Buchanan corridor, so we are contemplating on starting the road from Barclayville to Greenville” Pro-temp Chie disclosed.
As part of his outreach in the County, Pro-Temp Chie has had Meeting with citizens in Niplalkpo, Wakpo, Worwleeken, Doesween , Jratiken-Wropluken, Gbarken, Cherboken, Parluken and Ghegbetee.
Additionally, the Pro-Temp graced several appreciation programs in Sariken, Ma Mary , Bolloh Newtown, Barforwein and Nyankunkpo, amongst others.
During his visit to Grand Kru county, the problems of bad roads, lack of employ teachers, lack of network coverage, and lack of other basic social services were key among many of the citizens concerns.
