The NEWS (Monrovia)
Benjamin B. Sworh
25 March 2008
Monrovia — Citizens of Margibi County are calling for US$5 million as compensation for the land on which the Firestone Company is operating.
Speaking at the House committees hearing on the amended version of the Firestone agreement with government, the spokesman for Margibi citizens, Bedell Fahn said the company was operating in their county without making any meaningful contribution towards development there.
He told the gathering that the county was kind enough to offer its land to Firestone to plant the rubber trees.
The former Margibi County Senator also maintained that out of the 30% managerial positions allocated for Liberians, 15% should be given to qualified citizens of the county.
Mr. Fahn cautioned that citizens of the county would reject any attempt by government to give additional land to the company, adding "let them go elsewhere for land to plant their rubber."
For his part, Agriculture Minister Dr. Chris Toe said the amended version of the Firestone agreement is one of the best ever in the history of the country.
He said under the amended version of the Firestone agreement, the duration of the company has been reduced from 50 to 26 years.
Dr. Toe indicated that the company would construct additional 2,300 houses for employees and also renovate houses that were destroyed.
"Firestone would assist the Agriculture College of the University of Liberia, build schools in every division and give scholarships to deserving students," he said.
He urged members of the House committees to concur with their colleagues to enact the amended version of the agreement, because according to him, it was done in the best interest of the country.
The General Manager of Firestone, Charles E. Stuart assured that his company would continue to improve the working condition of the employees.
Mr. Stuart noted that rubber was a renewable business and as such, his company would provide more job opportunities for Liberians.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Ben Donnie said he was pleased with the agreement and urged the lawmakers to see reason to pass the agreement into law.
The hearing was conducted by the House Judiciary, Agriculture and Concession committees at the Capitol.
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