STAR radio Liberia - Arcelor Mittal breaks silence over gift to Legislature

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Arcelor Mittal breaks silence over gift to Legislature

Written by Horatio Bobby Willie

Tuesday, 23 September 2008

The Management of Arcelor Mittal has broken silence over its controversial 100 vehicles donation to the National Legislature.

The Chief Executive Officer of Arcelor Mittal- Liberia said the donation to the legislature has no strains attached as being perceived in the public.

Mr. Joseph Matthews said the donation was part of the company’s community relations program.

Mr. Matthews said the donation was based on a request by government that it needed capacity in vehicles.

The Arcelor Mittal Chief Executive said the company expects no favor from anyone in government as a result of the vehicles donation.

He said his entity was doing several things for the country outside the Mineral Development Agreement signed between it and the government.

Mr. Matthews made specific reference to the plan paving of the road linking Ganta to Yekepa in Nimba County and the construction of a modern bridge also in Nimba.

He said it was important for the company to comment on the issue that has raised serious public concern about the intent of the donation.

Meanwhile, twenty-two Liberians are expected to undergo technical training in South Africa for a period of three to six months.

Arcelor Mittal-Liberia is facilitating the training of the 22 persons who are to learn how to operate equipment and the locomotive of the company.

The Chief Executive Officer of Arcelor -Mittal said the 22 are the first of sixty Liberians the company is expected to training in order to enhance its operations in the country.

Mr. Joseph Matthews said the training would build the capacity of the Liberians who would also become marketable in the feature.

He disclosed the 22 persons are not only employees of Arcelor Mittal but includes ordinary Liberians who could get employ once the training program is completed.

Lands Mines and Energy Minister Eugene Shannoh said the initiative was part of the company’s obligation under the Mineral Development Agreement.

Minister Shannon praised the company for helping government achieve its poverty reduction strategy through training and infrastructural development.

The Land and Mines Minister spoke during a luncheon hosted for the 22 persons by Arcelor Mittal in Sinkor.

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