Published: April 18, 2025
ROYESVILLE, Montserrado County – In a bid to enhance community development, residents of Royesville recently held a one-day dialogue with officials of Bi-Chico Mining Company to address pressing concerns related to infrastructure, health, and education.
The community meeting, held in District 17, focused on Bi-Chico’s adherence to its corporate social responsibility (CSR), especially considering the company’s use of the main road running through Royesville for trucking iron ore from its base in Gbarpolu County.
The dialogue brought together local residents, government representatives, and company officials, all aiming to improve living conditions in Royesville through collaboration and accountability.
District #17 Representative Benald Blue Benson lauded the community for what he termed “constructive engagement,” and pledged to use his legislative oversight to press the company to meet its obligations.
“I commit to helping repair and construct additional hand pumps so residents can have access to clean and safe drinking water,” Benson said. He also urged the community to remain civil in addressing grievances. “Violence is never the best option,” he added.
John Jallah, CEO of Bi-Chico Mining Company, emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and pledged to continue engaging community and district leaders.
“Dialogue is a powerful tool for coexistence,” Jallah said. “We must not abandon this practice—it strengthens communication and builds trust.”
Royesville’s acting commissioner, Bendu Williams, expressed her commitment to working alongside the community leadership and Representative Benson’s office to hold Bi-Chico accountable to its CSR obligations.
“I will do everything within my authority to ensure that, through our various leadership structures, our partners live up to what is outlined in the concession agreement,” Williams stated.
She added that her office and that of Representative Benson are currently consulting on how to push Bi-Chico to begin implementation of earmarked development projects, including a school, a health center, and rehabilitation of key road networks.
Williams affirmed her continued dedication to serving the interests of Royesville’s residents, particularly in ensuring the delivery of long-overdue improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
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