By: Reuben Bier
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – Steel Giant Arcelor-Mittal Liberia has donated a brand new four-door Hilux pickup to the Grand Bassa County Detachment of the Liberia National Police.
The car, which is to be used as a patrol vehicle for the LNP was donated Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at the Headquarters of the Police on the Fairgrounds in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
Presenting the vehicle, Arcelor-Mittal Head of Logistics Phase – 2 Projects Leslie Dodds said the gesture is a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to buttressing the efforts of the government of Liberia’s security sector.
Mr. Dodds expressed confidence that the vehicle will enhance the logistical need of the Police Operations in protecting the lives and properties of citizens in the County.
He furthered that the support to the Liberia National Police is to help with their works in the rule of law which demonstrates Arcelor-Mittal’s strong commitment to supporting the Government and people of Liberia to address some of the fundamental challenges that undermine efforts to create a safe and peaceful society.
“We are confident that this vehicle will enhance the logistical constraints of the local Police as it sets out to protect the citizens and businesses in this county,” The AML Phase 2 Project Head of Logistics added.
He explained that ArcelorMittal Liberia is not just a business operating in Grand Bassa and other parts of Liberia, but also, they are a part of the community.
“Many AML employees and their families live in the city of Buchanan, outside the AML concession area, “So, today’s donation will help boost our collective security as a community”.
“Today, AML wishes to provide this brand-new Toyota Hilux Pickup as assistance to the LNP and hopes that it enables the LNP to deal with the current pressure it faces and to enhance the policing service it provides to the people of Grand Bassa,” he pointed out.
Mr. Dodds informed the gathering that Arcelor-Mittal Liberia has also intervened to alleviate the challenge of the lack of a reliable and operable vehicle for the Police Support Unit (PSU) assigned in the county.
“This vehicle will go a long way in enhancing the logistical needs of the Police provided, it is properly maintained and serviced according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. We believe the LNP will do all it can so that the vehicle’s usability will be long and beneficial to the people of Grand Bassa County,” He further emphasized.
Receiving the vehicle, the Regional Commander of Liberia for Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Margibi Counties Sackor Freeman lauded AML noting, it will help ease their mobility in responding to rising issues in the County.
Also speaking, Grand Bassa County Superintendent, Janjay Baikpeh, appreciated the Management of Arcelor-Mittal Liberia for identifying with the Police and promised that it will be properly managed by the LNP and the County leadership.
Of recent, this Paper reported that the lack of patrol vehicles for the Police is affecting the effectiveness of the Police, especially in responding promptly to cases in that part of the Country.
For the first time, our Grand Bassa County Correspondent observed that the Police Support Unit (PSU) of the Liberia National Police used a mini-bus belonging to Arcelor-Mittal Liberia during a raid in St. John City.
It was also an embarrassing situation to have seen the Police and members of the joint security transporting the 13 suspects who were arrested for their alleged involvement with the recent burning of a depot and checkpoint in St. John River City, Grand Bassa County to the court and prison compound using commercial vehicles.
The situation which drew the attention of several citizens over the years is posing a serious risk to Police operations and has prompted the Bassa district electoral #3 lawmaker to affect his communication to his colleagues for budgetary allotment for the Police vehicles.
The Police and Joint Security have been operating in the County without vehicles, despite several calls by media institutions and other concerned citizens.
The situation they have been attributed it to low budgetary allotment prior to Arcelor-Mittal’s intervention.