To accommodate its 1,040 employees in Nimba, ArcelorMittal Liberia has started construction on a new housing project at its Tokadeh Mines, consisting of 26 concrete buildings. Within the Tokadeh Mine concession region, the project is a part of the company’s Phase II Project (Operational Readiness).
The building site, which spans a total area of 117,832.277 m2 or 29.12 acres of land, is situated along the main route that connects Tokadeh junction with Yekepa.
Jozephus Coenen, the chief executive officer of ArcelorMittal Liberia, made the announcement at a recent town hall meeting with employees that was concurrently held at various divisions of the business activities in Buchanan, Grand Bassa, Green Hill Quarry in Bong, the Tokadeh mines, and Yekepa Township in Nimba.
“The well-being of our staff is a top management priority. It has always been our commitment to create the best possible and most conducive work environment for our employees. The Construction of these new housing units for our staff is also aligned with our strategic business objective, especially in the context of the Phase II Expansion project. The size of our workforce is seeing a significant increase, hence the need for us to expand and improve our facilities to accommodate them.”
Additionally, CEO Coenen stated that employees who will live in Tokadeh’s new housing units would continue to get housing allowances in order to build homes for themselves and their families.
Winnerford Prout Richards, Phase II Project Infrastructure Area Manager for ArcelorMittal Liberia, described the scale of the Tokadeh housing project and stated that it will be constructed in two stages.
A canteen, a gym, a laundry building, a recreation center, one facility management office, a mini clinic, a fence, three security booths, and all other civil infrastructure, such as roads, drainages, water, and power supply systems, will be built during the first phase, according to Richards, which begins soon.
520 more staff housing units will be built during the second phase, which is anticipated to start in early 2025, bringing the total number of housing units to 1,040, he said.
The site clearing prior to the start of the real construction works is underway, according to Richards, who is in charge of housing and accommodations for AML’s Phase II project. Other preconstruction tasks for the site’s preparation are now being completed, and plans have been authorized.
“We’ve done the concept, we’ve done the site layout, and everything. So, we’re about to start clearing the site,” he said. “We’re hoping that we can commence the site clearing around early October.”
He commended AML’s management for making an effort to offer more and better housing options for staff members from Liberia, particularly in concrete buildings.
He claims that the initiative will help revitalize Zolowee and other adjacent areas in addition to Tokadeh, where the housing units will be built, by giving residents of the area jobs. Therefore, the initiative will alter the area’s appearance from what was intended and will result in greater local empowerment.
As part of its Phase II development, ArcelorMittal Liberia has been renovating and building residences in the Yekepa and Buchanan concession regions in addition to the Tokadeh Units.
The housing and social infrastructure in the ArcelorMittal Liberia concession regions has significantly improved, one example being the completion and restoration of the Buchanan Clubhouse for the company’s employees and guests. A gym, a tennis court, a bar, a gift shop, a nightclub, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a unisex salon, a leisure hall, dance studios, as well as a restaurant and snack bar are among the amenities available at the renovated multi-sport court and clubhouse.