BMMC, Jikandoh Town Sign Settlement Agreement -As residents Celebrate Landmark Relocation Deal, Laud Cllr. Sannoh

By Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr.

MONROVIA – A wave of celebration swept through Jikandoh Town in Grand Cape Mount County on Tuesday as residents and officials of Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC), alongside government authorities, signed a historic “Release and Settlement” agreement aimed at resolving a long-standing environmental dispute.

The ceremony, held in the heart of Jikandoh  a town located just a stone’s throw from Kinjor  brought together representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Liberia Land Authority, the local county administration, the Cape Mount Legislative Caucus, and executives of BMMC.

Addressing the gathering, legal counsel for the Jikandoh residents, Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh, recounted the community’s three-year quest for justice following allegations that Bea Mountain had contaminated the town’s water sources, rendering creek water unsafe for consumption.

“This is the conclusion of a process that began nearly three years ago when the residents raised concerns about water pollution caused by mining activities,” said Cllr. Sannoh. “What started with legal action has now ended with cooperation and a commitment to right a wrong. Today, we are proud to say a peaceful resolution has been reached.”

He added that initial recommendations by the EPA called for the relocation of residents from Gola-Konneh District, which laid the foundation for discussions with BMMC.

As part of the agreement, BMMC has acquired 500 acres of land in the Mambo-Konneh and Clay communities at a cost of US$250,000 to resettle residents of Jikandoh and three surrounding villages: Juma Town, Kpelleh Village, and Morris Village.

The mining company has committed to constructing a new community that includes: 50 modern housing units, School, Clinic, Mosque, Market building, Community Hall and other essential infrastructures.

Additionally, each family head will receive a monthly rent allowance of US$200 until their new homes are completed. An initial US$600 lump sum covering the first three months will be paid immediately, with residents expected to vacate their current homes within 30 days of the agreement’s signing.

Once resettlement is complete, each family will receive a resettlement package, a move hailed by residents as a transformative step toward a better life.

Under the terms of the agreement, residents will no longer pursue any legal claims against Bea Mountain Mining Company. The deal marks a turning point in the relationship between the company and the affected communities.

In remarks during the ceremony, BMMC officials through its deputy manager Emery described the signing as “a significant milestone” in the company’s efforts to build positive relations with host communities.

“This agreement reflects our commitment to working with local communities and the government to ensure sustainable development and peaceful coexistence,” a BMMC representative stated.

A brief history of the Town of Jikandoh delivered by Alex Fahnbulleh the chairman of the Down-screen community in the area informed the gathering that Jikandoh was established some 48 years ago. 

Speaking on behalf of the people Jikandoh and surrounding villages, Elder Jimmy Kamara expressed gratitude to Cllr. Sannoh and other stakeholders, including Debah Allen and the local leadership, for their efforts in securing a favorable outcome.

“We are hopeful for a better future,” said Elder Kamara. “This is the beginning of a new chapter for our children and our community.”

The Elder in continuance of his remarks however, expressed his hope that the new housing and infrastructure will improve their living conditions, noting that they have been living in fear of losing their homes without benefits, but “we can now look forward for a better future”.

He indicated that efforts of Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh who is a son of Grand Cape Mount County, and remained the loudest voice in the interest of Jikandoh and nearby villages for justice will always be remembered.

Also during the signing ceremony, the Town Chief of Jikandoh, Mustapha Pabai offered an inspiring prayers to God for the architects to the resolution of their long standing problem with the Bea Mountain Mining Company.

Chief Pabai, in his prayers pleaded with God Almighty to increase the wisdom of Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh and other stakeholders contributed to the smiles on faces and bless them continuously in every direction.

Making a representation on behalf of the local leadership, Grand Cape Mount County Superintendent Momo Kiatamba said the relocation of the people of Jikandoh and nearby villages is void of politics and urged that it should not be politicized.

Superintendent Kiatamba warned that anyone who attempt to politicize the relocation and settlement of the people to their homes will be resisted, adding that the advocacy which brought about the resolution was solely champion by Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh with no political influence.

The program was attended by several officials of the Liberian Government including the Ministry of Mines and Energy represented by Assistant Minister Carlos Edison Tingbah, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Liberia Land Authority as well as the local leadership of Grand Cape Mount County.

Assistant Minister Carlos Edison Tingbah who conveyed the gratitude of the Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye, described the gathering as a significant one while noting that he is ready execute mandate in the interest of the people on behalf of the Ministry.

The entire signing ceremony ended with a celebrations among residents of Jikandoh and its surrounding villages dancing, with smile on their faces while they could not stop saying thank you to Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh for what they have described as a liberation.