Bomi- An extensive investigation by Verity has uncovered that the working and living conditions at Mano Oil Palm Plantation have raised significant concerns among the employees and their families.
Despite promises and minimal improvements, the plantation workers face numerous hardships, from inadequate wages to poor living conditions.
Sources within the plantation have informed this paper that women and children at Mano Oil Palm Plantation often bathe outside or at nearby creeks due to the lack of proper facilities.
Women are forced to go to the creeks as early as 5 a.m. to bathe and use the toilet because of the lack of bathroom facilities.
This issue is exacerbated by the company’s refusal to allow the government-installed light poles to be connected, leaving the camps in darkness and insecurity.
Verity’s investigation has also uncovered that workers at the Mano Oil Palm Plantation live in makeshift structures, posing serious challenges to their lives.
The absence of proper sanitation facilities forces workers to use palm bushes as makeshift toilets, posing severe health risks.
Previously, Sime Darby paid workers a daily wage of $5.85, but this has since been reduced by Mano to $5.51, with a slight recent increase to $5.70.
This reduction has placed further financial strain on already struggling workers.
The clinic provided by the plantation is outdated and lacks essential services. Following protests, the government of Liberia mandated improvements, including the repair of an ambulance used by workers.
However, these promises remain unfulfilled, leaving workers without adequate medical care.
The plantation’s palm trees suffer from a lack of proper fertilization, impacting the productivity and sustainability of the plantation.
This neglect not only affects the company’s output but also the workers’ livelihoods, dependent on the health of the palm trees.
The recent incident involving a roadblock and attack highlights the dangerous environment workers face. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for improved security measures and protections for workers.
The situation at Mano Oil Palm Plantation demands immediate attention and action from both the company and the government.
Workers deserve fair wages, adequate living conditions, proper healthcare, and a safe working environment.
It is also reported that the company CEO, Asad Fadel, usually threatens and insults workers, boldly saying to their faces that the government is in his pocket.
The conspicuous silence of the government in addressing the plights of workers at Mano Oil Palm Plantation has led the workers to believe that the alleged statement made by the company’s CEO might be true.
It is imperative that Mano Oil Palm Plantation honors its commitments and takes concrete steps to improve the lives of its employees.
The workers are urging the government of Liberia and relevant stakeholders to hold Mano Oil Palm Plantation accountable and ensure that the necessary improvements are made.
The workers’ welfare and rights must be prioritized to foster a sustainable and just working environment.
