World’s Steel giant Arcelor Mittal has announced the construction of a new housing project of twenty-six concrete buildings at its Tokadeh Mines to accommodate 1,040 of its staff in Liberia
There has been report of some middle level workers at the Luxemburg based company not been given decent housing facilities and with some residing in tanks.
However, according to a release, the construction site which is located along the main road leading to Yekepa from Tokadeh junction, covering a total area of 117,832.277 m2 or 29.12 acres of land is under the company’s Phase II Project (Operational Readiness), within the Tokadeh Mine concession area.
Arcelor Mittal which begun operation in Liberia in 2005 has recently embarked on expansion of facilities for workers in its three of Liberia fifteen counties where it operates.
The company has in recent times be engulfed with series of protest actions from some communities some unpaid rental fees.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer Jozephus Coenen told a recent gathering of staff staff held at AML different sections of operations in Buchanan, Grand Bassa, Green Hill Quarry in Bong, the Tokadeh mines, and Yekepa Township in Nimba that the wellbeing of workers remains his top priority.
“The wellbeing of our staff is a top management priority. It has always been our commitment to create the best possible and most conducive work environment for our employees”, he added.
AML’s CEO Coenen further announced that staff who will benefit from the new housing units at Tokadeh would still be provided housing allowances, to allow them to build homes for themselves and their families.
Arcelor Mittal Liberia’s Phase II Project Infrastructure Area Manager, Winnerford Prout Richards said during the first phase which kicks off soon, accommodation units will be constructed for 520 staff, including a canteen, a gym, a laundry building, a recreation center, one facility management office, a mini clinic, a fence, three security booths and all other civil infrastructure, such as roads, drainages, water, and power supply system.
The second phase which is expected to commence in early 2025 the company Area Manager said will also see the construction of an additional 520 staff accommodation units, bringing the total number of accommodation units to 1,040.
“As part of preparation for the construction of the housing units, the site has been layout and will soon begin clearing for construction.
He lauded the management of AML for the drive to provide additional and improved accommodations for Liberian staff, especially in concrete structures.
There has Concern that surrounding communities near Arcelor Mittal Liberia mining operations has not been developed but the company is expected to bring to life to several towns including Zolowee and provide job opportunities for the locals.
Arcelor Mittal Liberia concession areas have seen a significant improvement in housing and social infrastructure among which is the completion and restoration of the Buchanan Clubhouse for its employees and visitors. Services being offered at the refurbished multi-sport court and clubhouse include a gym, a tennis court, a bar, a gift shop, a nightclub, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a unisex salon, a recreational hall, dance studios, as well as restaurant and snack bar.
