GRAND BASSA COUNTY, LIBERIA-Workers of the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC) in Grand Bassa County have described as appalling the living conditions of tappers on the plantation.
The Chairman of the Workers Union of LAC, Terrance Mulbah, said,” Currently, houses of workers are in a deplorable state, with no ceilings, and attached restrooms, among others”.
Mulbah added that the situation is disturbing, given the contributions of workers, especially tappers, to the production capacity of the company.
He wants immediate improvement, especially in the company’s infrastructure outlook and salary structures for employees of the company.
The Chairman of the LAC Workers Union told ELBC that as a workers’ union, they will continue to engage the Management of the company to improve basic conditions by addressing critical challenges confronting the workforce.
LAC began rubber exploration in Liberia in 1959, following the signing of a seventy-year agreement with the Government of Liberia.
Meanwhile, the Management of LAC has acknowledged the workers’ complaint and assured employees of ongoing plans to carry on massive renovation work.
The General Manager of LAC, Naven Madan, said,” The Board has already approved 1.3 million to implement major renovations and improve the conditions of workers across the plantation.
He said,” As management, it is deeply concerned about the workers’ welfare and is exploring all avenues to address some of the challenges confronting the workforce”.
Madan added that currently, other camps on the plantation are undergoing major renovation, including new construction works.
The General Manager further stated that the LAC Management is putting in place measures to improve conditions, while calling for continued calm among workers.
At the same time, Grand Bassa County District Four Representative, Alfred Flomo, has assured workers of the company of his continuous engagement with the Management of LAC to address issues facing the workforce.
Representative Flomo said,” Such engagement will be robust to ensure that the general conditions on the plantation are improved”.
He added that as the Representative of the District that hosts much of LAC investment, he is deeply disturbed about the current working conditions of workers.
In a meeting with the Management of LAC, Representative Flomo frowned at the company’s unwillingness to improve the basic conditions of the workers.
Representative Alfred Flomo said that as the current concession agreement of LAC nears expiration, the Grand Bassa Caucus will be keen to ensure that workers’ protection and community benefit are ensured in the next agreement.