Community Leader Warns Against Investor Flight Due to Permit Suspension

Tubmanburg, Bomi County – Eric Sando Perry, the chairperson of the affected communities in the operational areas of Western Cluster, has voiced concerns over the continuous suspension of the Western Cluster Road User Permit. In a recent interview with Pumah FM, Perry stressed that these suspensions could potentially scare away investors, posing a significant threat to the local economy.

“The government is not doing well for us,” Perry asserted during the telephone interview. “Western Cluster is here to mine our ore and provide job opportunities for our brothers and sisters. If there are issues, we should sit at the table to resolve them.”

Perry emphasized that the persistent suspension of the road user permit is stalling the company’s operations and development work, which adversely impacts the affected communities. He called for discussions and negotiations as a more effective approach to resolving any disputes.

Highlighting a recent meeting involving Western Cluster, the National Investment Commission, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Perry disclosed that significant agreements had been reached. During the meeting, government entities mandated Western Cluster to assume full responsibility for the Liberia Government Hospital, C. H. Dewey Central High School, and Bomi Junior High School. The company also committed to constructing a regional school and collaborating with cooperatives to cultivate 100 acres of farmland to boost local agriculture.

While praising Western Cluster for its commitment to these community projects, Perry criticized the government’s decision to suspend the road permit repeatedly. He argued that this hinders the company’s ability to carry out projects beneficial to the community, such as building the regional school and taking over the hospital and schools.

“For the company to implement these projects, it needs to be operational,” Perry stated, underscoring the necessity for Western Cluster to be allowed to function to fulfill its commitments.

Perry also warned that the government’s actions could deter other investors from investing in the country. He stressed that dialogue, rather than continued suspension, should be the way forward when addressing issues.