More Allegations Against Western Cluster Mining -Sources Claims Company Destroying Surrounding Towns

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

Multiple sources closely following the operations of Western Cluster Minister in Bomi County are alleging that the company’ activities have caused significant damage to homes and impacted the health of residents in Borbor and Bola Town.

Blasting operations associated with iron ore extraction have led to structural damage in several houses and hearing impairment among local residents, source say.

This situation is accordingly raising serious concerns about the environmental and social responsibilities of mining companies operating in the region.

Community members are likely seeking solutions to mitigate these impacts and ensure their safety and well-being.

An investigative team recently visited Borbor and Bola Town to assess the damage caused by the mining activities at which time residents expressed their disappointment and regret regarding the situation, highlighting concerns about the destruction of their homes and the adverse health effects they are experiencing.

Many community members said they were feeling neglected and seeking accountability and support from both the mining company and local authorities to address their grievances and mitigate the impact of ongoing operations.

During the team’s visit, it was noted that Borbor and Bola Town are approximately 2 kilometers from the Western Cluster concession mining site, where ore is being extracted from the mountain.

Residents reported that the vibrations from blasting activities have not only damaged their homes but also disrupted their daily lives. Many shared stories of fear and anxiety regarding potential further impacts on their health and safety.

The community is now calling for dialogue with the mining company to seek solutions and ensure their voices are heard in discussions about the future of mining operations in their area.

Several residents also raised concerns about hearing impairment, describing the blasts from Western Cluster mining as reminiscent of the heavy weaponry used during Liberia’s civil crisis. This comparison highlights the psychological and emotional distress caused by the ongoing mining activities, as the sounds evoke memories of past violence.

Community members are calling for urgent action to address these health issues and improve their living conditions, emphasizing the need for better communication and support from the mining company.

The locals stated that they have made multiple efforts to engage in conversation with the management of Western Cluster Liberia, but their concerns have not received adequate attention.

This lack of responsiveness has further fueled frustration within the community, as residents feel their voices are being ignored despite the significant impacts on their lives and health. They are now calling for greater accountability and a commitment from the company to address their grievances.

In an interview, Saa T. Sillie, the Town Chief of Borbor, emphasized that the homes and properties of residents are currently being destroyed due to the operations of Western Cluster mining.

He highlighted the urgent need for the mining company to acknowledge the damage and engage with the community to find solutions.

Chief Sillie’s remarks reflect the deep concern among locals regarding the ongoing impact of mining activities on their livelihoods and living conditions.

According to Town Chief Saa T. Sillie, the blasting by Western Cluster creates heavy vibrations that feel like an earthquake, significantly impacting the community. He noted that residents can no longer hear well from a distance, requiring close proximity for conversations. The blasts evoke painful memories of the civil war, as the vibrations and sounds are distressing.

Chief Sillie expressed deep concern about the destruction of homes and local infrastructure, stating, “When the company is blasting, the ground can shake, and that’s how our homes can fall. We have nowhere to sleep, and we are beginning to experience hearing problems.” He called for government intervention, as previous attempts to communicate with the company had gone unacknowledged.

In tears, Ma-Siah Alice, a disabled resident reliant on oil palm production, shared her frustration: “My home is destroyed by the company. Last night, the vibration was very heavy, and my ears hurt from the sound. We want the government to come and help us.”

In contrast, Mr. Joseph Coelho, CEO of Western Cluster Liberia, dismissed the allegations, labeling the concerns as unserious.

He insisted that the company complies with regulations set by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Liberia Environmental Protection Agency. Coelho argued that while blasting does occur, the company employs advanced technology to mitigate impacts, claiming that the structural issues of the homes are due to their construction materials rather than the company’s activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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