Africa-Press – Liberia. China Union Concession has commenced long awaited rehabilitation works on the Bong Mines to Haindii Gaygayma Waterside road in Bong County District Seven, following a firm intervention by Representative Foday Fahnbulleh, who represents the district and serves as Chairman of the Joint Committee on Concession and Investment of the House of Representatives.
The development comes days after the lawmaker halted one of the company’s trains operating in the district over its failure to fully comply with obligations contained in the Mineral Development Agreement.
The action taken by Representative Fahnbulleh drew national attention to concerns that China Union had not lived up to critical commitments under the MDA, particularly those affecting infrastructure and community welfare in the concession area.
After the train was halted, the lawmaker formally communicated with the company and the Joint Committee on Investment, demanding immediate corrective measures and respect for the agreement signed with the Government of Liberia.
Following this communication and subsequent compliance review hearings before the Joint Committees of the House of Representatives, China Union conceded that there were gaps in its implementation of obligations under the MDA.
The company requested a forty five to sixty day period to demonstrate good faith through visible and measurable corrective actions, especially along the Bong Mines, Haindii, and Gaygayma corridor, which residents have long described as impassable during the rainy season.
In response to the lawmakers’ position, China Union wrote to the Joint Committee on Concession and Investment, reaffirming its commitment to honor the agreement. In excerpts from the letter, the company stated that it “recognizes the concerns raised by the Joint Committee and the affected communities” and pledged to “take immediate steps to address outstanding obligations in line with the Mineral Development Agreement.”
The letter further assured lawmakers that China Union “remains committed to constructive engagement and will commence priority rehabilitation works on the Bong Mines to Haindii Gaygayma Waterside road as an initial demonstration of renewed compliance.”
True to that assurance, earthmoving equipment and road crews were mobilized into District Seven, marking the start of rehabilitation works that residents say have been overdue for years. The road rehabilitation is now seen as one of the company’s first tangible corrective actions following its admission of noncompliance and its written promise to lawmakers.
Representative Fahnbulleh has welcomed the development, describing it as a positive response to legislative oversight and community advocacy. “I commend China Union for responding to our communication and beginning this important road work,” the lawmaker said.
“This shows that when we stand firm and insist on accountability, companies can be made to respect their agreements and the people they operate among.”
Residents of District Seven have also expressed appreciation for the lawmaker’s stance, crediting his intervention for the progress now being seen on the road.
One resident of Haindii said, “If Representative Fahnbulleh did not step in and stop that train, this road work would not have started. He has shown that he is serious about defending the interests of our district.”
Another community member from Gaygayma Waterside noted, “For a long time we suffered on this road while the company was operating. Seeing machines on the road now gives us hope, and we thank our representative for keeping China Union’s feet to the fire.”
A youth leader from Bong Mines added, “This is what representation looks like. Our lawmaker did not just talk, he acted, and now China Union is responding. We appreciate him for standing up for us and making sure the MDA is respected.”
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