The Inquirer (Monrovia)
Morrison O.G. Sayon
11 July 2007
Monrovia — Mittal Steel-Liberia, the world's largest steel-producing company, which is expected to resume operations in the country, has for the first time unveiled a big development package for Liberia.
Speaking on behalf of the private sector yesterday at program marking the launching of LEITI in Liberia, Cllr. James Doe Gibson of Mittal Steel revealed that Liberians and the entire world will see a deepwater port rehabilitated in Buchanan with miles of railroad tracks linking Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba counties.
Cllr. Gibson said the Extractive Industries will be the catalyst for new towns to spring up around concessions areas with the erection of infrastructural amenities such as roads, electric power, housing, estates, water supplies, hospitals and schools.
Cllr. Gibson further noted that, "We will see subsidiary enterprises stated; thousands of our people will be employed in the area, trailed by thousands more, living in the Africcan tradition of the extended family. However, the economic benefits of this great integrated enterprise will spread far, wide and beyond our borders."
He said the famous partnership formula for which Liberia became known has been adopted in many parts of the third world was introduced whereby ownership of the concession was shared between the government and the concessionaries.
Cllr. Gibson noted that how well this formula will worked will be evidenced by the results which have been and will be achieved not only in Nimba, Bong and Bassa but throughout Liberia.
He said ArcelorMittal has never been doubtful of the sincere call from the government for a review of the concession agreement which has been ratified by the Legislature since May. He then, lauded the UP-led government for the level of understanding and excellent spirit of cooperation
Among other things, Cllr. Gibson said, "What we ask is that in the same manner as we will remain partners with the government in the depletion of the riches of the soil, so must we continue to be equal partners in the replenishment of the land and sustenance of its people. This should be the challenge of of our partners as much as it is ours."
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