Liberia: Nimbaians Dissatisfy Over Pollution

Nimba County’s Sanniquellie and Yarmein District residents have accused Arcelor Mittal Mining Company of destroying their natural resources and disregard to human values.

The Nimbaians accused the company of polluting their creeks and rivers from which they fetch drinking water, destroying their farmlands, fielder/market roads and crops without any remorse or compensation.

As a result, they are demanding that the company’s liaison officer be a Nimbaian rather than an ‘outsider’, who seem to be insensitive to the plight of the affected communities. The locals make known their dissatisfaction in a 2-page documented recently presented to Development Superintendent Teekor Yorlay in Sanniquellie.

Elder James T. Moore, Chairman of the affected communities, who made the submission, urged the government to quickly address the issues because they continue to experience difficulties at the ‘hands’ of the company.

In response, Teekor Yorlay expressed the government’s concern about the situation, assuring the Nimba citizens that their resolution would be transmitted to the Nimba Legislative Caucus for the appropriate actions.

The presentation of the resolution was graced by representatives from the UN local office in Nimba, the Grassroots Democracy group, EARS for the Masses, chiefs, elders, as well as women groups among others. Meanwhile, the residents have given the company a one week ultimatum to address their grievances.