The Senior Senator of Nimba County, Prince Johnson, and the Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy Dr. Eugene Shannon, have resolved to work together for the successful implementation of the Social Development Fund (SDF) provided to three counties-Nimba, Grand Bassa and Bong by Arcelormittal under the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) following a five day workshop.

Sen. Johnson, last week accused Minister Shannon head of the Dedicated Fund Committee (DFC) of using the letterhead of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to withdraw US$50,000 from the Nimba County Social Development Fund, an allegation which Minister Shannon has since denied.

Speaking to this paper via mobile phone, Sen. Johnson said "irregularities" that led to his action have been removed and corrective measures have been put into place by the parties involved with the management of the funds; stressing "with this corrections made, I have no problem working with Minister Shannon."

According to Sen. Johnson, they have agreed to use the letter head of the Dedicated Fund Committee (DFC) order than the one of the Ministry of State in carrying out the work of the committees.

For his part, the Minister of Lands Mines and Energy Dr. Eugene Shannon said, the workshop was important and cleared issue that many persons did not understand. He added that the County Development Monitoring Committee (CDMC), Dedicated Fund Committee (DFC) and Project Management Team (PMT) are studying the bureaucracy involved with releasing the funding; reduce streamline and some of the processes one goes through in accessing the funds.

Minister Shannon noted that he hope the workshop will motivate leaders from the three counties to begin to prepare and summit projects for approval. He lamented that funds are available and has encouraged the counties to quickly target projects in the interest of their people.

He however lauded the Senators and Representatives as well as other members of the various committees for the level of participation in the workshop, promising to continue to work with all patties in achieving better living opportunities for the Liberian people.

Making remarks Friday at the end the working held at the Liberia Institution of Public Administration (LIPA) in Mamba Point, Grand Bassa County Representative Hon. Gabriel Smith thanked ArcelorMittal for the gesture rendered the people of Bassa, adding that the fund is of great help to his county.

Hon. Smith admitted that there has been problems in the management of the funds due to parties not following the guidelines. "We can assure you that Grand Bassa is going to make a significant progress in the implementation of our projects" since we all have committed ourselves to following the guidelines, Rep. Smith noted.

Also making remarks during the workshop was the Representative of Bong County Hon. George Mulbah who said Bong County "enjoys the confidence" of the DFC and thanked the Chairman, Dr. Shannon, for the leadership role he has played in guiding the funds.

Hon. Mulbah however frowned on ArcelorMittal for bringing in an European to serve as Liaison Officer between the people of Bong County and the company. He said the people of Bong County have competent individuals to serve as liaison officer between the people and the company; stressing that the action by the company is counterproductive to the Liberianization Policy and is intended to undermine the credibility of the Liberian people.

Responding on behalf of the Company, the Project Director for Grand Bassa Mr. Ross Lockerbie said ArcelorMittal is committed to being a responsible citizen in Liberia and belief the workshop will demonstrate that commitment.

Mr. Ross furthered that transparency and credibility in the application of the funds is of critical importance. He said, the workshop has afforded all parties to achieve transparency, adherence to protocol, cheeks and balances in the management and development of projects on time and in scope.