As mining activity continues to attract attention in Grand Kru County, residents in communities surrounding mining areas say, the promised benefits of development have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
Some residents claimed that while riches are being discovered beneath the soil, the expected development reality are yet to be seen on the surface, specifically in the county.
A recent tour of a local mining site by our reporter found communities grappling with poor road conditions, inadequate basic services, and limited economic opportunities.
The situation raised questions about the impact of mining on host communities.
The most pressing concern is the condition of roads connecting mining areas to surrounding communities.
Residents say, deplorable roads have made it difficult to transport farm produce, access healthcare, move goods, and connect with other parts of the county, particularly in District #2.
In Forpoh, Bolloh, Buah, and surrounding communities, residents also face challenges accessing clean water, healthcare, education, and decent housing.
Despite the presence of mining activities, some residents say, their living conditions remain largely unchanged.
“Mining is taking place, but our communities are still struggling,” residents told the reporter. They called for greater attention to infrastructure, and basic social services.
Beyond mining, residents continue to depend on farming, petty trading, and other small-scale economic activities for their livelihoods.
However, poor infrastructure, and limited support remain major obstacles to economic growth.
With mining viewed as having the potential to contribute to the county’s economy, residents have meanwhile, called on the government, and mining companies, to ensure that communities hosting mining activities receive tangible development benefits.
They want road rehabilitation, improved access to clean water, healthcare, and education, as well as greater investment in local economic activities.
For residents, the question is no longer simply what lies beneath the soil, but what development will remain above the ground for the people, who call these communities home.
