NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to improving the lives of employees and surrounding communities in Grand Bassa County, highlighting nearly three decades of investment in education, housing, healthcare, safe drinking water, and community infrastructure since the Socfin Group assumed management of the company in 1998.
By: Liberia Excellent News Network
The company said its development agenda has focused not only on strengthening its plantation operations but also on creating lasting social benefits for thousands of families who have lived and worked on the plantation for generations.
According to LAC, these investments continue to improve educational opportunities, living conditions, and access to essential public services across its operational areas.
Education Remains a Cornerstone of Development
LAC described education as one of its most significant investments, noting that it currently operates 11 schools across multiple plantation communities in Grand Bassa County.
The school system employs 97 teaching and administrative personnel, with nearly all operational costs borne by the company. Parents contribute only a nominal maintenance fee covering less than five percent of the schools’ actual operating expenses.
The company reported that its schools consistently rank among the top three performers in Grand Bassa County in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
As of September 2025, the company said a total enrollment stood at 7,592 students, including 348 children from neighboring communities who attend free of charge. In the Zior River communities alone, 134 students enrolled in the LAC school system during 2024.
LAC said it continues to invest in expanding educational infrastructure, including the construction of a new primary school at Nain Camp serving approximately 470 students, the establishment of two additional schools in Estate Three and Estate Four, the construction of a modern library at St. Joseph High School, the extension of St. Francis School, renovations of four satellite schools, and the upgrading of Blessed Alamano School to junior high level.
The company has also introduced six school buses and numerous permanent bus stops to improve students’ transportation.
Speaking on the company’s educational efforts, LAC Head of Schools, Mr. Abel Dennis, emphasized the importance of providing quality learning environments.
“Every child who walks into one of our classrooms deserves a safe, welcoming place to learn, and that is what we work to provide every day. I see what education makes possible for our students and their families here in Grand Bassa County, and that is why this work matters to me,” Dennis said.
Beyond primary and secondary education, LAC noted that it annually awards four-year college scholarships to 15 outstanding graduating students. Currently, 57 students are benefiting from the scholarship program at a combined annual cost of approximately US$68,400.
Major Investments in Housing and Employee Welfare
The company also highlighted significant investments in employee housing, revealing that it provides free accommodation to workers and their families across 83 camps located within four estates.
Altogether, the housing network comprises approximately 3,800 housing units and more than 2,500 latrines.
According to LAC, more than US$60 million has been invested in housing, equipment, and vehicles since 1998. Between 2020 and 2025 alone, nearly 1,800 housing units underwent renovation, while another 600 units are scheduled for rehabilitation during 2026.
“Additional renovation projects are planned through 2033 under a long-term strategy designed to ensure that every residential camp is upgraded on an approximate ten-year cycle,” The company said in a statement.
The company added that 350 solar-powered or wired streetlights have already been installed throughout its camps, with further installations continuing as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and living conditions for residents.
Healthcare, Water Access and Community Infrastructure Expanded
LAC said its commitment extends beyond plantation employees to neighboring communities through healthcare and public infrastructure initiatives.
The company’s 88-bed hospital and three health posts provide medical services to more than 40,000 patients annually.
LAC noted that free healthcare is extended to children under five years of age and pregnant women from surrounding communities, regardless of whether they are employees of the company.
To improve access to clean drinking water, LAC reported that it has installed more than 140 boreholes across the plantation and constructed 38 hand pumps serving 34 surrounding communities.
“In addition, 44 solar streetlights have been provided in neighboring communities to enhance public safety and improve nighttime visibility,” LAC said.
Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development, LAC said it will continue investing in the people of Grand Bassa County while maintaining open dialogue with local leaders, community representatives, and the Ministry of Education.
“LAC remains committed to sustained, transparent investment in the people and communities of Grand Bassa County and welcomes continued dialogue with local leadership, the Ministry of Education, and community representatives,” the company stated.
Established in 1959, the Liberian Agricultural Company is among the largest private employers in Grand Bassa County, providing direct and indirect employment to more than 4,500 people. The company has been managed by the Socfin Group since 1998 and says it remains focused on balancing agricultural production with long-term social and community development.
