Deplorable Police Quarters, Polluted Water: China Union Faces Fresh Community Outcry

Sources at China Union Mining Company in Bong County have raised serious concerns over the alleged deplorable living conditions of Liberia National Police officers assigned to provide security at the company, while residents in the concession area are also accusing the mining company of failing to meet its corporate social responsibilities.

According to the sources, officers of the Emergency Response Unit and Police Support Unit assigned to China Union are reportedly living in poor conditions, with images showing damaged walls, exposed roofing materials and what appears to be mold inside a building believed to be used as accommodation for the officers.

The sources say the conditions are creating difficulties for officers who are expected to perform security duties at the mining company, but the exact number of officers affected and the length of time they have reportedly been living under the conditions remain unclear.

Meanwhile, residents within the China Union concession area have also complained about what they describe as poor treatment by the company, accusing China Union of abandoning its corporate social responsibility commitments to communities affected by its mining operations.

Residents have further raised concerns about alleged pollution of local water sources, which they say has affected access to clean and safe water in communities around the concession. Some residents reportedly feel they have little power to address the situation despite depending on the same natural resources for their daily needs.

The Liberia National Police and China Union Mining Company have not yet publicly responded to the allegations concerning the conditions of the officers, the reported abandonment of corporate social responsibilities, or the alleged pollution of community water sources.