The Plenary of the Senate has mandated its joint committee on Judiciary, Agriculture and Forestry, including Concession and Investment to investigate the failure of Atlantic Resources Liberia Limited to fulfill its logging concession obligations in Grand Kru County.
The Senate, according to a release, reached the decision during its 31st day sitting based on a communication submitted to the body by Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa of Grand Kru County.
In his communication to Plenary, Senator Bartekwa raised concerns relative to the continued failure of Atlantic Resources Liberia Limited to fulfill its logging concession obligations in the county.
Bartekwa formally appealed to the Plenary to take appropriate legislative action by terminating the contract agreement between the government (on behalf of the people of the county) and the Atlantic Resources Liberia Limited logging company.
In his deliberation, Bartekwa recounted that the agreement was signed in 2009, to allow the company engage in commercial logging activities within designated forest areas in the county.
“However, since the agreement was executed, the company has consistently failed to deliver on its commitments,” he added.
Bartekwa recalled that Atlantic Resources operations came to a complete standstill as far back as 2016, and “since then, the company has abandoned the concession area, resulting in the closure of key access roads.”
Senator Bartekwa said, the company’s prolonged inaction demonstrates a clear lack of interest and a diminished commitment to operate in the county.
“Despite numerous communications, stakeholder engagements, and meetings between county authorities and representatives of the company aimed at urging them to resume operations, all efforts have proven futile,” he said.
Bartekwa added: “The people of Grand Kru County have waited patiently for more than a decade for the promises of this concession to materialize. If the company is no longer interested in conducting business in our county, then the agreement should be formally cancelled. Let other credible and serious investors come in and utilize these resources for the benefit of the people and the country at large.”
He meanwhile, called on his colleagues to act in the interest of the affected population and ensure that concession agreements are not left dormant to the detriment of communities.
Following his presentation, Plenary overwhelmingly agreed that the matter be forwarded to committee on judiciary, concessions, investment, and agriculture.
The Joint Committee is mandated to review the status of the Atlantic Resources concession agreement, assess the company’s level of compliance, and investigate the claims of abandonment and report its findings within two weeks.