A group of construction contractors gathered in Buchanan City on yesterday in demand of long-overdue payments from ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).
The contractors, who were hired for various construction and road rehabilitation projects in communities affected by AML’s operations, say they have not been compensated since 2022.
Having entered a pre-financing agreement with AML, the contractors secured loans from banks and private lenders to complete their work.
However, they alleged that despite fulfilling their contractual obligations, AML has failed to pay them, leaving many in financial distress.
Some contractors reported losing their businesses and struggling with mounting debts due to the prolonged delays in payment.
“We took money from banks and individuals, incurring interest, to carry out this work, and yet we have not been paid. Some of us have lost everything,” one of the contractors lamented during the gathering.
The contractors claim that after completing various stages of work and requesting payment, AML took between six to eight months to process their claims.
In November 2024, AML, in collaboration with its consultancy firm, MAC Africa, introduced a roll-up plan promising to pay contractors 75% of the remaining balance with a 10% penalty deduction—as a final settlement.
However, two months later, the contractors say no payments have been made. This claim, however, is yet to be independently verified.
Further frustrations arose after AML held meetings with contractors from the three counties where it operates Bassa, Bong, and Nimba assuring them that payments would be processed within a week. According to the contractors, no such payments have materialized.
Seeking resolution, the contractors’ union met with Senator Findley, head of the Bassa Legislative Caucus, who pledged to intervene on their behalf.
Despite these assurances, the contractors say no concrete actions have been taken.
“Despite our efforts to engage in fair and reasonable dialogue, ArcelorMittal’s refusal to pay us is unacceptable. We cannot bear this any longer,” stated a union representative.
Frustrated by the lack of progress. We have been peaceful and intend to remain peaceful, but the needful must be done,” the contractors warned.
The Bassa Contractors Union, representing the affected workers, has called on AML to honor its financial commitments and resolve the crisis before tensions escalate further.
As of press time, AML has not issued a public statement regarding the contractors’ demands or their planned protest.
The standoff has drawn significant attention from local media and the public, with many closely watching how AML and the contractors will navigate the dispute.
The outcome could set a precedent for future business agreements and contractor engagements in the region.
