Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-02-27 11:56:16
China Union Investment (Liberia) Bong Mines CO., LTD has admitted to violating the Mineral Development Agreement it signed with the Government of Liberia 15 years ago in 2009. This admission was made by the deputy manager, SHEN YI HONG (KEN SHEN), during a session with the House of Representatives’ Joint Committee. The committee includes members from various sectors such as good governance, telecommunication, health, judiciary, contract and monopoly, and concession.
The issue was brought to light when Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh of District #7, Bong County, wrote a letter of complaint to the 55th National Legislature regarding the company’s non-compliance with the 2.6 billion dollars Mineral Development Agreement. The agreement, signed in 2009, granted China-Union Hong Kong and China Union Bong Mines the rights to explore and mine iron ore in the Bong Range.
According to Rep. Fahnbulleh, the terms of the agreement included provisions for social impact assessments, skills and technology development plans, road renovations, educational funding, employment opportunities for Liberians, and the operation of a Mining and Geology Institute. However, he noted that since the agreement’s inception, China Union has failed to fulfill many of these obligations.
The lawmaker highlighted key areas of concern such as the incomplete road construction, the absence of a Hydro Power Plant, and the lack of a functioning medical facility and scholarship program. He also pointed out that the employment quota for Liberians has not been met as outlined in the agreement.
In response to these allegations, the management of China Union acknowledged their lapses in complying with the agreement. They attributed these challenges to both local and external factors but expressed their commitment to rectifying the situation. The company proposed several interventions, including the establishment of a joint working group to address immediate and medium-term issues within 90 and 180 days respectively.
Despite the company’s willingness to cooperate, the Chairman of the committee rejected their request to discuss matters outside the public eye. The committee emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring that the terms of the agreement are upheld. The management of China Union was given two weeks to submit the requested documentation to facilitate further discussions.
In conclusion, the ongoing hearings have shed light on the discrepancies in the implementation of the Mineral Development Agreement between China Union and the Government of Liberia. It is crucial for all parties involved to work together to address these issues and ensure that the agreement’s objectives are met for the benefit of the Liberian people and the country’s economy.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
