By Linus Flomo/Bassa
ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has officially dedicated a newly rehabilitated bridge at Kilometer 2.5 of its railway track, a vital link connecting the company’s facilities to Buchanan City.
The ceremony, which marked a major milestone in AML’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, brought together local government officials, company leadership, and residents from nearby communities.
The bridge, which had long been in a state of disrepair, had posed serious risks to motorists, pedestrians, and AML workers. Originally flagged for structural issues as far back as 2018, a 2019 report from the Ministry of Public Works confirmed the deterioration and warned of its imminent collapse, raising alarm about the safety of the public and the continuity of the company’s mining operations.
In response, AML collaborated with government authorities, local stakeholders, and engineering experts to develop a solution.
The reconstruction project officially began in December and was undertaken by Atlantic Engineering and Construction Company, a Liberian-owned firm.
Rehabilitation work was completed in February 2024 at a cost of approximately US$700,000.
“The investment in this bridge reflects ArcelorMittal’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety and mobility of the people of Grand Bassa County,” said Marcus Wleh, AML’s Head of Sustainability and External Affairs. “It is also part of our broader mission to support Liberia’s development.”
The bridge now serves as a critical artery for local communities, logging companies, and the transport of iron ore ensuring continued access and safe passage while reinforcing AML’s logistical operations.
Beyond the bridge, AML is investing in broader infrastructure enhancements, including rail and port upgrades, as part of its long-term strategy to drive economic growth and community development across Liberia.
The dedication of the rehabilitated bridge underscores the company’s role as a key development partner in the region and reaffirms its commitment to sustainable operations and social investment.
Chairman of GECEAO and Director General of Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Major (Rtd.) Joseph BikanyiKuyon, commended Ghana’s recent legislative reforms empowering NADMO and announced the development of a national Disaster Risk Financing Strategy.
He stressed the need for capacity building and called on participants to use their expertise to inform policy and drive impactful resource allocation.
“Our collaboration must translate regional hydro-meteorological warnings into tangible preparedness and mitigation actions,” Major Kuyon said. “Let us integrate disaster risk reduction into our national development plans for 2025–2026 and work toward GECEAO’s vision of harmonized disaster management in West Africa.” The consultative meeting serves as a platform for strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange, and regional solidarity, as ECOWAS Member States work together to confront rising disaster risks and protect vulnerable communities across the region.