Nimba County: AML dedicates several modern water supply systems in fence-line communities
Arcelor Mittal Liberia (AML) has dedicated several fully functional water kiosks in Yekepa’s Area Q and Area S, respectively.
People who occupied these neighborhoods are not employed by the concession but were provided with the water supply system to ensure safe drinking water all year round.
The project, fully funded by AML, has about 75 meters of dirt borehole with a 5-meter water tower, which carries a 500-gallon water tank.
It has a 2-horsepower submersible pump connected to an inverter and a solar panel that powers the water from the ground to the tank and back down to the kiosks.
Each kiosk has six faucets and is powered by energy during the day, in addition to the solar system, to supply hundreds of residents with water daily.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s environment team will maintain the wells regularly through chlorination, regular water supply testing, and purification.
Kleber Silva, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for ArcelorMittal Mining Global, said, “It is a real pleasure for us to dedicate these water kiosks. I always believe firmly that we have to be together. The mine, the company, and the community. And that we are part of the community, and the community is part of us. I can assure you that we are here to stay. We are here to be part of the community, and jointly, all of us can be proud of the work that we are doing.”
He thanked the community for working with ArcelorMittal, noting: “As you know, we have just launched phase two, we are developing, we are generating jobs and projects for the community.”
Also speaking was ArcelorMittal Liberia CEO Michiel Vander Merwe, who said: “A couple of months from now, you can just drive through and see some real increase in activities around here.”
He’s ArcelorMittal is committed to improving the conditions in Yekepa Township in the months to come.
“You are the people who work with us. We want to stay and every single day we want to see you happy. You are part of our company as well.”
“We want to be perfect Neighbors. Because we are staying with you. You work with us, and we are part of a community. We are going to continue to improve”
Yekepa Town Council Chairman, Moses Gounue said: “We are grateful for this development we are seeing today because some time ago there was a problem in the township due to water
“We want to thank ArcelorMittal leaders for continuing with this initiative not just in area Q but also in other areas, because the community is huge.”
Several local government officials, including Mr. Thomas Suah, Ministry of Internal Affairs Liaison, Paye Misohn Gbozuah, Statutory Superintendent, Sanniquellie Mah, and a representative from the Office of Nimba County Superintendent, attended the dedication.
In the coming weeks, ArcelorMittal will dedicate similar water supply systems in Zolowee, Gbarpa, and other areas, with construction almost completed.
