IPNEWS:More than 167 kilometers of roads serving dozens of communities in Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa counties have been rehabilitated by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), significantly improving transportation, trade and access to essential services for thousands of residents living along the company’s mining and rail corridors.
According to the latest progress report released by AML’s Mines Infrastructure Department, the road rehabilitation program has, between February and June this year, restored critical road networks that had become nearly impassable during the rainy season, reconnecting isolated communities with nearby towns, markets, schools and healthcare facilities.
The report shows that 43.7 kilometers of roads were rehabilitated in the Yarmein area, 24.3 kilometers in the Sehyi area, 32 kilometers across Nimba rail communities, and 67 kilometers in Bong County rail communities—bringing the total distance rehabilitated to 167 kilometers within five months. Road rehabilitation activities are also actively continuing in Grand Bassa County.
The rehabilitation covered numerous AML fenceline communities, including Barpa, Karnla, Lugbehyee, Bonla, Baintonwin, Bololehwee, Gbeleyee, Kinon, Gbondin, Camp-4, Gbapa, Makinto, Sehyi-Geh and New Barrack. Along the railway corridor in Nimba, work benefited communities including Garr Whynor, Tunukpuyee, Zarsonnon, Tunudin, Tiahyee, Zao, Gblehyee, Yoko Village, Bunadin, Duo and Fire Village.
In Bong County, the intervention extended to LAMCO Camp, Gaye Town Yoopea, Yela, Greenhill Quarry, Zoweintaa, Monakpoloi, Dahn’s Town, Gold Camp, Walaweu, Balakpah, Botota and Gbomon, among other communities that have historically struggled with deteriorating road conditions.
For many residents, the rehabilitation represents much more than improved roads. In rural Liberia, roads are often the only connection between farming communities and local markets. During the rainy season, damaged roads frequently trap vehicles for hours or even days, increase transportation costs and make it difficult for farmers to move produce before it spoils.
With the roads now reopened to vehicles and motorcycles, farmers are expected to transport rice, cassava, vegetables, palm products and other agricultural produce to surrounding markets more quickly and at lower cost. Traders can also move goods more efficiently, reducing delays and improving the availability of essential commodities in remote communities.
The improved road network is also expected to lower transportation costs for commercial drivers, reduce vehicle maintenance expenses caused by poor road conditions and encourage greater movement of people and goods between rural towns and major commercial centers. Better roads generally stimulate local economies by making it easier for businesses to receive supplies and reach customers.
Healthcare delivery is another major beneficiary of the rehabilitation effort. Residents living in remote communities often face enormous challenges reaching clinics and hospitals because of damaged roads, particularly during medical emergencies. The newly rehabilitated roads will improve access for ambulances, healthcare workers and patients, while ensuring that essential medical supplies can reach rural health facilities more reliably.
Education is also expected to benefit. School buses, teachers and students travelling between towns will face fewer transportation challenges, especially during the rainy season when poor road conditions have traditionally disrupted school attendance.
The road improvements are equally important for humanitarian response and public safety. Better roads enable faster movement by emergency responders, government agencies and development partners during emergencies such as flooding, disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
AML says the rehabilitation forms part of its commitment to improving infrastructure in communities located around its mining operations and railway under its fenceline community policy.
The rehabilitation program is being led by Mines Infrastructure Lead Felix Abaidoo and General Manager Jallah Selmah, whose team has focused on restoring accessibility while laying the foundation for longer-lasting road infrastructure.
According to the company, the next phase will emphasize sustainability through the installation of culverts, improved drainage systems and reinforcement of flood-prone sections to help roads withstand Liberia’s heavy seasonal rains and reduce the need for repeated emergency repairs.
The initiative stands as a statement of the critical role that infrastructure plays in rural development. For many communities along the mining and rail corridors, reliable roads mean more than convenience—they represent access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, agricultural markets and economic growth. By restoring these vital transport links, ArcelorMittal Liberia is helping strengthen local livelihoods while improving the quality of life for thousands of people across Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa counties.
