IPNEWS: A high power delegation from the Honorable House of Representatives on Wednesday, 21st September paid a day long visit to New Liberty Gold Mines in Bea Mountain Concession area.
According to House Speaker Dr. Bhofal Chambers, the visit was intended to ascertain if the Management of Bea Mountain Corporation is living up to the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) signed with the Government of Liberia.
During the briefing, Speaker Chambers expressed dismay over the absence of top managers of BMMC, including its General Manager, Mr. Reza Karimiyan during such important legislative facts findings visit.
Speaker Chambers also raised concerns about the Company’s social corporate responsibilities to the affected Communities.
“What you cannot do in Turkey don’t do it to our people working with your Company” Speaker Chambers in strong words to the expatiate.
The lawmakers were also concerned about environmental issue, the number of Liberians being employed in top management positions, and the relocation of citizens that are very close to the Mine among others.
The issue of giving out work permit to foreign nationals, the House delegation wants the Ministry of Labor provide insight.
The delegation said the presence of Representatives from the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the Mines and Energy Ministry are needed at the operation sites to determine the value of minerals (gold) that leaves Liberia.
Touring the market, Clinic, Housing Estate and Vocational School in Kin-Jor, the lawmakers observed the lack of toilet facility, medical supplies (drugs), running water, and warehouse for marketers to store their goods.
The delegation was dissatisfied with the housing facility of local staffs.
Residents of some affected communities near Bea Mountain’s 478-kilometer concession area, in the Gola Konneh District of Grand Cape Mount County, are uncomfortable that underground mining will further push them into poverty. They claim the company’s operations are already having adverse effects on their livelihoods.
The visit by the People’s Deputies is the second time as its first visitation mounted pressure on the Company to address the workers plights.
The House’s Investment and Concession Committee Chair Hon. Clarence Massaquoi give an overview of the previous visit that he headed and indicated steps that have been taken so far as a result of the House intervention.
Those steps include;
i. That the company has entered an MOU to provide 150usd each to three affected communities per annual. This is in addition to the social contribution stated in the MDA.
ii. That concerned about the inadequate presence of executive agencies including Mines and energy ministry, EPA, LRA ect.That was confirmed during the deliberations
iii. That the company has renovated the Community school in Gold Camp and currently doing and extension/ annex to said facility and
iv. The company has gone nearly to completion of the new school building for the community
For his part responding to the inquiries from the Lawmakers, the Community Relations Superintendent of Bea Mountain Mr. Henry Vincent said with regards to the issue of labor BMMC has changed the status of 90 daily hires to short term contractors, 116 short term contractors status were changed to permanent employees.
According to Mr. Vincent, all short term workers will all benefit from school fees, medical insurance, rice subsidy and other benefits contained in the CBA upon signing the new consent form from the union leadership.
He noted that a recreational center is approved awaiting completion of the land to be purchased from the community which have started.
The Vincent disclosed that there are about five Liberians currently in top management positions at the Mine; adding that as time goes on more Liberians will occupy positions in top management.
The Community Relations Superintendent of BMMC also informed the visiting delegation that the company has constructed a clinic in Kinjor, built a primary school for citizens of the host communities.
The Delegation was comprised of:
1. Hon. Dr. Bhofal Chambers- Speaker & Head of Delegation
2. Hon. Rosana G.D.H. Schaack
3. Hon. Haja Fata Siryon
4. Hon. Ivar K. Jones
5. Hon. Matthew Joe
6. Hon. Solomon C. George
7. Hon. Byron W. Zahnwea
8. Hon. Alex Chersia Grant
9. Hon. Samson Quejue Wiah
10. Hon. Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sr. ..,.
11. Hon. Samuel G. Kogar
12. Hon. P. Mike Jurry
13. Hon. Clarence Massaquoi
14. Hon. Johnson N. Gwaikolo
15. Hon. Mambu Sonii
16 . J. Sayfurh Geplay- Deputy Chief Clerk/Delegation Secretary
MEDIA
1. Robert Haynes- Director of Press/HOR
2. Sampson David- Reporter/ELBC
3. Bridgett Milton- Reporter/New Dawn Newspaper
4. Augustine Saah- Reporter/Truth FM
5. Haji Massaley – SPOON FM/TV
