YEKEPA, Nimba County – More than 167 kilometers of roads serving dozens of communities in Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa Counties have been rehabilitated by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), improving transportation, boosting trade and expanding access to healthcare, education and other essential services for thousands of residents living along the company’s mining and rail corridors.
According to a progress report released by AML’s Mines Infrastructure Department, the rehabilitation program restored critical road networks between February and June this year, reconnecting communities that had become virtually inaccessible during the rainy season.
The report indicates that 43.7 kilometers of roads were rehabilitated in the Yarmein area, 24.3 kilometers in the Sehyi area, 32 kilometers across rail communities in Nimba County and 67 kilometers in Bong County rail communities, bringing the total to more than 167 kilometers within five months. Road rehabilitation is also ongoing in Grand Bassa County.
The project covered numerous AML fenceline communities, including Barpa, Karnla, Lugbehyee, Bonla, Baintonwin, Bololehwee, Gbeleyee, Kinon, Gbondin, Camp-4, Gbapa, Makinto, Sehyi-Geh and New Barrack.
Along the railway corridor in Nimba, work extended to Garr Whynor, Tunukpuyee, Zarsonnon, Tunudin, Tiahyee, Zao, Gblehyee, Yoko Village, Bunadin, Duo and Fire Village. In Bong County, the rehabilitation benefited communities including LAMCO Camp, Gaye Town Yoopea, Yela, Greenhill Quarry, Zoweintaa, Monakpoloi, Dahn’s Town, Gold Camp, Walaweu, Balakpah, Botota and Gbomon.
The upgraded roads are expected to have far-reaching economic and social benefits.
For farmers, improved road access means easier transportation of rice, cassava, vegetables, palm products and other agricultural goods to local markets, reducing spoilage, lowering transport costs and increasing household incomes.
Traders are also expected to move goods more efficiently, improving the availability of essential commodities in remote communities.
Commercial drivers stand to benefit from lower vehicle maintenance costs and shorter travel times, while businesses are expected to gain easier access to supplies and customers, stimulating economic activity across rural communities.
Healthcare delivery is also expected to improve significantly.
Residents in remote areas often struggle to reach clinics and hospitals during emergencies because of poor road conditions, particularly during the rainy season.
The rehabilitated roads will facilitate quicker movement of ambulances, healthcare workers and medical supplies to underserved communities.
The improved road network is likewise expected to enhance access to education by making it easier for teachers, students and school buses to travel safely throughout the academic year.
Beyond economic and social benefits, the roads will strengthen emergency response by allowing government agencies, humanitarian organizations and first responders to reach affected communities more quickly during floods, disease outbreaks and other emergencies.
AML said the rehabilitation initiative forms part of its commitment to improving infrastructure in communities surrounding its mining operations and railway under its fenceline community policy.
The project is being led by Mines Infrastructure Lead Felix Abaidoo and General Manager Jallah Selmah, whose team has focused on restoring year-round accessibility while laying the groundwork for more durable road infrastructure.
According to the company, the next phase of the program will prioritize long-term sustainability through the installation of culverts, improved drainage systems and reinforcement of flood-prone sections to help roads withstand Liberia’s heavy seasonal rains and reduce the need for recurring emergency repairs.
For many residents along the mining and rail corridors, the rehabilitation represents more than improved transportation. It provides a lifeline to healthcare, education, markets, employment opportunities and economic growth, strengthening livelihoods while improving the quality of life for thousands of people across Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa counties.
