Lafarge Africa, host Communities end disputes as both parties sign MoU in Calabar

0
206
Reading Time: 2 minutes
a cross section of stakeholders at the MoU signing meeting at Lafarge office in Calabar

Our Correspondent|24 December 2016
Very little will now be heard about the recurrent conflicts between the all popular United Cement Company (UNICEM) and host communities around its Mfamosing Plant in Cross River State as Lafarge Africa Plc., the new management of UNICEM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the said host communities.
Lafarge Mfamosing plant is bordered by three local government areas namely Akamkpa, Akpabuyo and Calabar Municipality. During the defunct UNICEM Company communities bordering the company were engaged in recurrent skirmishes, but with the new order and understanding it can now be believed that all will now be history.
Lafarge, through a constituted Community Relations Committee (CRC) last Tuesday brought to the table all perceived stakeholders including representatives of government, local communities and the building materials giants with the aim of them representing the bond of the relationship while providing a guide on the scope and responsibilities of both Lafarge Africa and the communities in question.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lafarge Africa Plc.’s Communications and Public Affairs Director, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem emphasized that the signing of an MoU with local communities is part of the company’s strategy to involve and consistently engage the communities.
“A demonstration of the commitment of Lafarge Africa Plc. to build mutually beneficial, strong and sustainable relationship with its host communities and contribute to their overall development to enhance quality of life,” Ambrose-Medebem said.
Adding that “Lafarge Africa strongly believes that peace, safety, security and sustainable development can only be achieved by working with communities and contributing to the attainment of their development aspirations. Hence we have this kind of agreement with neighbouring communities around all our operations.”
On his part, the Chairman of Mfamosing Community Relations Committee – Prince Itita Bassey explained that the interest of all stakeholders were put into consideration in arriving at the MoU, pledging that all stakeholders will remain dedicated to its full implementation to the benefit of all.
“I wish to assure community members of better days with increasing and more value adding benefits in all agreed areas. I therefore crave for your full support and constructive engagements helps the Committee serve you better” he said.
It will be recalled that the Mfamosing Plant CRC was inaugurated in July, 2016 with membership drawn across the membership of the CRC is drawn across 6 partnering communities of the plant, three Local Government Areas of Akamkpa, Akpabuyo and Calabar Municipality, Government Agencies and NGO.
NegroidHaven… Truth in view of Africa’s liberty!