Buchanan – At long last, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has settled payments for several contractors implementing projects for the company in Grand Bassa County.
By: Elton Wroinbee Tiah, Contributing Writer
For the past 7 months, contractor companies and AML have experienced heated disagreements, leading to protests due to the company’s delay in settling their payments.
The Wredyou Construction Company, Buchanan Business Services, Gbeh Contractors and Services Incorporated, Gbaryah Development Association Incorporated, and Buchanan Construction Engineering and Constructions Incorporated were hired to construct town halls and other projects within ArcelorMittal’s affected communities.
The projects are funded by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) from the 20% County Social Development Fund meant for affected communities in Grand Bassa.
AML is providing one million United States Dollars annually as the County Social Development Fund for Grand Bassa, with an additional 20% of the amount for affected communities.
The contractors, through their leader Justin A. B. Tarr, confirmed the payment of the contractors by the company.
“I want to take this time to extend my thanks and appreciation to all of the County Authorities and the Media for the level of efforts they applied during the struggle with AML to have us paid.”
He furthered, “All contractor companies have received payments as per the phases and level of work done on each project site, excluding the Wreyou Construction Company, which didn’t receive payment due to some issues that are being handled.”
The payment of the construction companies has restored calm between ArcelorMittal Liberia and the companies implementing their projects.