Legislative Contention over alleged violations has ignited against Western Cluster Liberia with Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe stating “Shut down Western Cluster”.
In a recent turn of events, Western Cluster Liberia, a prominent mining company in Liberia, finds itself embroiled in legislative scrutiny and potential shutdown calls over alleged violations of its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
The company’s refusal to adhere to social agreements with affected communities has sparked outrage among lawmakers from Western Liberia, who are now demanding immediate action.
During Thursday’s April 25,2024 , Senate session, two lawmakers from the Western region seized the opportunity to bring attention to Western Cluster’s failure to comply with its obligations.
Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi County highlighted the company’s failure to commence construction of a railroad within the stipulated three-month period, as outlined in the MDA.
Senator Snowe minced no words as he urged for the shutdown of Western Cluster, citing repeated violations and disregard for government directives.
Accompanied by his colleague, Amara Konneh, also a lawmaker from Western Liberia, Senator Snowe emphasized the mounting pressure from citizens on legislators, effectively shifting blame onto them.
“Our people are seriously on our backs, and we must take a serious decision against Western Cluster,” Senator Snowe asserted.
Meanwhile, Senator Numene Bartekwa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Concession and Investment, reminded plenary about the committee’s proactive stance.
He highlighted their communication to the Ministry of Finance, urging the imposition of a fine amounting to $14.5 million on Western Cluster for its transgressions.
Additionally, Senator Bartekwa disclosed the committee’s directive to the Ministry of Public Works to review Western Cluster’s Mineral Development Agreement, underscoring concerns over road maintenance and permit misuse.
According to Senator Bartekwa, Western Cluster’s disregard for road maintenance obligations and misuse of permits, particularly for heavy-duty transportation of minerals, exacerbates the situation.
Moreover, the committee is steadfast in its demand for the company to fulfill its social corporate responsibility by disbursing funds to affected communities.
“We have done all these things as a committee, but to no avail,” Senator Bartekwa lamented, underscoring the urgency for decisive action against Western Cluster.
The growing discontent among lawmakers from Western Liberia signals a broader legislative pushback against corporate entities that fail to honor their commitments and obligations.
As the debate escalates within the Senate chambers, the fate of Western Cluster Liberia hangs in the balance, awaiting a definitive decision to address the grievances of affected communities and uphold the value of Liberia’s mining sector.
