The NEWS (Monrovia)
24 September 2008
Monrovia — ArcelorMittal has clarified that recent donation of 100 vehicles to government was intended to help build its capacity and not to influence its decision towards the company.
The company's Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Joseph Mathew explained that the decision to purchase the vehicles followed a request made by the government.
He said ArcelorMittal expects nothing in return from the government contrary to media reports.
Mr. Mathew spoke Tuesday at Carona Hotel during a farewell luncheon in honor of 22 of the company's local staff who are expected to leave for training in South Africa next week.
"When the government approached us that they need to build capacity, we thought we should help," ArcelorMittal CEO disclosed.
Mr. Mathew said ArcelorMittal sees the donation as a way of helping to develop the capacity of government and that it does not seek to get anything in return.
He told the audience that when the company signed a Mineral Development Agreement with government, it had a development fund purposely set aside to help with capacity building, infrastructural development, among other initiatives.
"We see our donation as a way to develop Liberia ArcelorMittal is here to help the government and the people of Liberia " he reiterated.
He said when the port and railway shall have been developed they would be properties of the government.
The clarification comes in the wake of media reports that some 100 vehicles given to members of the legislature by the government were meant to influence decision in favor of the company.
However, Mr. Mathew refuted the claims saying that it is committed to the development of Liberia. He said the company plans to pave the road between Ganta and Yekepa.
According to the company, the 22 Liberians selected will undergo training in heavy duty mechanic, locomotive driving, electronics and welding.
Responding on behalf of the trainees, Mr. Darlington George commended management of ArcelorMittal for the opportunity given them.
He urged his compatriots to portray a good image of the country and remain focus on what they were asked to do.
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