By Stephen Roberts
Monrovia, April 27 (LINA) – The Director General at the National Bureau of Concession (NBC) Hansen Kiazolu has disclosed that more than US$23M has been discovered unpaid to the Liberian government by several concession companies operating under the Mineral Development Agreement within the Republic of Liberia.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing recently, Director Kiazolu said more than half of the concession companies operating in Liberia were found to be non-compliance with the government and the Mineral Development Agreement stressing that such actions violate concession companies’ social responsibilities agreement signed with the Liberian people.
Kiazolu in his remark named Western Cluster Mining company situated in Western Liberia, to be in debt of about US$19M to the government of Liberia, Equatorial Palm US$500,000, and Hummingbird Resource US$3.5 Million.
According to Director Kiazolu, out of the indebted institutions listed, several mining companies have also been found not to meet government reporting deadlines as part of efforts to track their functions within the country.
Kiazolu noted that a communication has also been sent to President Boakai office seeking to grant the institution the opportunity and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct a comprehensive audit in relation to companies MDAs and their operations in the country.
The NBC Director, however, maintained that at least a US$25,000 fine will be imposed on those companies found in violation of the reporting system and operation activities with government agreed timeline in the country.
According to him, Bea Mountain, Bio Chicho, GVL Liberia and Sime Darby Oil Palm companies are companies expected to be audited in line with Government approved MDAs.
At the same time, the NBC Director, however, promised his administration’s commitment to ensuring a fair compliance with the government and ensuring the necessary benefits belonging to the Liberian people are received in time.