By Alex Yomah
The Senate Specialized Committee headed by Montserrado County, Saar Joseph, on Saturday began its fact finding probe on ArcelorMittal’s facilities in the affected counties.
The committee which began its visitation in the Port City of Buchanan, Grand Bassa, was displeased with hospital facilities operated by AML in the county.
The senators said that all facilities constructed and operated by the steel giant are not up to standards.
In what appeared to be a threat, the committee vowed to withhold the expansion deal based on what the committee will get from the citizens after the citizens’ engagement tour this week.
Recently, the Plenary of the Liberian Senate constituted a Specialized Committee, headed by Montserrado County Senator, Saah H. Joseph to visit the affected communities and have engagements with residents on issues relative to the company’s operations.
In a brief opening statement, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Joseph told the Management of the Company that their visit among other things is intended to access the operations of AML and also engage citizens on issues that need to be addressed before the ratification of phase Two of the concession agreement which is currently before the Legislature.
For his part, the Acting CEO of ArcelorMittal, Mahamar Haidara welcomed the team and also revealed some of the benefits, including employments, improvement of facilities, clinics and rail roads, among others.
The committee visited clinics, port facilities and residential areas of employees among others.
Meanwhile, the committee is expected to meet with cross sections of citizens of Bassa with respect to their views next week Wednesday in Buchanan.