As part of ongoing community engagement efforts, the General Manager of the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC), Naveen Madan, accompanied by his wife and key members of the company’s leadership, recently visited the neighboring towns of Weebo and Bansaygaye.

The delegation, which included Human Resource and Administration Manager Eric C. Mulbah, Sustainability Coordinator Harriet Attoh and Community Liaison Superintendent J. Morris Saah, received a warm and traditional welcome from the residents demonstrating friendship and love for the company’s operations. ​

This visit marks the first time a LAC General Manager has set foot in these communities, symbolizing a significant step toward strengthening the company’s relationship with its neighbors.​

Speaking on behalf of LAC, during the visit, Human Resource and Administration Manager Eric Mulbah expressed gratitude for the heartfelt reception and reaffirmed LAC’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. He assured residents that the company has no plans to expand into their communities and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and mutual respect.​

A significant highlight of the visit was the presentation of maintenance materials for an existing hand pump by Community Liaison Superintendent J. Morris Saah. He also announced LAC’s commitment to fully fund the construction of a new hand pump, aiming to improve access to safe drinking water for the residents.​

Madam Attoh, Sustainability Coordinator highlighted LAC’s ongoing development efforts, including road and bridge upgrades, which are crucial for enhancing connectivity and access to essential services.

Residents of both communities expressed their appreciation for the company’s support and appealed for additional assistance, specifically in rehabilitating local roads and constructing a Palava hut to serve as a gathering space for community meetings and discussions.

The visit concluded with Mr. Madan breaking ground for the new hand pump project, symbolizing LAC’s dedication to improving community welfare and fostering sustainable development.​

This engagement approach underscores LAC’s commitment to building strong community partnerships and working collaboratively towards shared growth and progress.

Over the years, LAC has initiated several developmental programs that have positively impacted communities in Grand Bassa County and other parts of the country.

These initiatives include providing skill training for local rubber farmers to enhance production and prolong the lifespan of rubber trees, offering educational support to students from the county, and rehabilitating roads around LAC’s concession.

For last several years, due to the lack of public or other private funding, LAC is maintaining the 31-kilometer road connecting the LAC Plantation in District #3 to Buchanan.​

The road initiative is independently funded and executed by LAC.

The LAC-Buchanan highway connectivity boosts both business operations and the daily lives of community members who ply the route.

By: Jerry Laynumah Siakor