The Bong County Legislative Caucus, through its Chairman Senator Prince K. Moye, has announced a firm stance against China Union Steel Company, demanding that the company remit over $10 million owed to Bong County in unpaid social development funds and related obligations spanning nearly a decade.
Speaking before his colleagues during a recent legislative session, Senator Moye expressed deep frustration over China Union’s failure to meet its financial commitments under the concession agreement, describing the company’s actions as a major impediment to the county’s development.
“As we speak, China Union Steel, which holds a major concession in our country, owes Bong County millions of dollars in social development remittances that have not been forthcoming for over ten years,” Senator Moye declared.
According to the Senator, under the concession terms, China Union is mandated to remit $1.5 million annually to Bong County as part of its social development contribution. Over a 10-year period, from 2015 to 2025, the company’s total obligation amounts to $15 million. However, records indicate that less than $5 million has been received during that time.
A joint legislative committee investigation, Senator Moye revealed, uncovered significant discrepancies in China Union’s operations and finances. The findings show that while the company halted major operations in 2014, it continued to profit from storage fees collected on petroleum products stored at its facilities.
“Our investigation discovered that China Union accumulated over $42 million from storage fees between 2015 and 2025. Yet, they have failed to fulfill their $1.5 million annual payment to Bong County,” he explained.
Senator Moye emphasized that the Caucus will not remain silent on what he described as a gross violation of the concession terms and a disservice to the people of Bong County.
“We are preparing a very strong action against China Union to ensure the company remits the over $11 million owed to our county. The people of Bong have been patient long enough, and we will not relent until justice is served,” he asserted.
He further disclosed plans to present the matter formally before the plenary of the Liberian Legislature, calling for collective action to compel the company to comply with its obligations.
“We will be bringing a forceful delegation to this plenary to make sure China Union remits the funds owed to Bong County and fulfills its social development responsibilities,” Senator Moye added.
The Bong County Legislative Caucus’ position comes at a time when residents of the county continue to decry deteriorating infrastructure, poor education facilities, and limited economic opportunities—challenges many attribute to the lack of funding from concession companies operating in the region.
China Union, which was granted a 25-year iron ore concession in Bong Mines, has faced repeated criticism for its operational shutdowns and failure to deliver on development promises. Senator Moye expressed optimism that renewed legislative oversight and firm action will hold the company accountable and restore hope to the people of Bong County.
“This is not just about numbers; it’s about development, fairness, and respect for our people,” he concluded.
