The pavement of the Kakata-Bong Mines-Haindi highway is expected to kickoff before the end of this month, according to Mr. Sun, a local supervisor for China Union's operations in Bong Mines, Lower Bong County.

In making the disclosure Saturday in an exclusive interview with this paper, Mr. Sun said: "We're doing everything possible to ensure that we start putting quota on the road from Kakata to Haindi."

He added: "We're just waiting for some of our big equipment to arrive; and, I can assure the local population that before January ends, serious work will begin on the road."

The Kakata-Haindi road project is among several social development packages agreed under China Union's $2.8billion iron-ore mining contract signed in 2008 with the Liberian government.

In addition to the road construction, Mr. Sun disclosed, the company is currently renovating the formerly Zaweata elementary and Junior High School in order to cater to the educational needs of thousands of locals residing in Fuamah District.

He further China Union plans to formally run the BMC Medical Center, the only referral hospital in lower Bong County.

Mr. Sun said since the arrival of China Union in the area, "locals are now returning in their mass, especially in pursuit of jobs, in order to improve their living conditions or find better living standards for themselves.

"We have a lot of good things to do here and pretty soon, the people of Bong Mines and Liberia will begin to see them. There's is more work to be done here," Mr. Sun noted.