By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Yekepa, Nimba County – ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Executive Vice President and Global Mining CEO, Kleber Silva, expressed deep satisfaction with the progress of ongoing community and health infrastructure projects during his recent visit to the company’s concession area in Yekepa.
Touring the modernized Yekepa Hospital, Silva described the improvements as “impressive and meaningful” for both employees and surrounding communities.
“I’m very happy with the improvement that we did,” Silva said after inspecting the surgery room, emergency unit, and other expanded sections of the hospital. “The progress we’ve made so far—and what’s to come—is really encouraging.”
The expansions at Yekepa and AML Buchanan Hospitals, including new operating rooms and medicine units, are part of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s broader commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery for staff and nearby residents. Silva emphasized the importance of strong health infrastructure for both the company and the community.
“This is very important for us because we care about the community and our own improvement,” he said. “We need good hospitals to take care of the people we value. It’s essential that we continue this progress.”
During his visit, Silva also inaugurated new water kiosk facilities aimed at providing safe drinking water to fenceline communities. The project features modern boreholes, solar-powered pumps, and distribution kiosks, giving hundreds of residents daily access to clean water.
“This facility is marvelous because water is so important,” he said. “We value the community and are delighted to provide this infrastructure.”
Silva also toured ArcelorMittal’s Buchanan rail facility, receiving a briefing from General Manager for Rail, Marco Miranda, on key achievements in the Phase II Expansion upgrades. These included an upgraded Rail Traffic Control System, improvements at the rail workshop, enhanced housekeeping standards, shorter train cycle times, and a higher average number of wagons per train.
Highlighting the company’s focus on youth empowerment, Silva celebrated the employment of 21 young people—including two women—from Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa Counties as Train Assistants. The group completed a four-week theoretical training at the company’s Training Academy in Buchanan and is now undergoing 12 weeks of practical, hands-on training.
Silva’s visits to Liberia have emphasized tangible investments in healthcare, water, housing, and skills development, which he considers essential for building trust and shared progress.
“Reflecting on the hospital expansion and new facilities, I feel really good, really warm because of all this progress,” he said. “We aim to have the hospital at the highest level in the country, and we are getting there.”
With over 35 years in the mining and metallurgical sectors, Silva returned to ArcelorMittal in 2024 after serving as Deputy CEO and COO at Eramet. His leadership has brought renewed focus on safety, environmental and social responsibility, and community development, reinforcing the company’s commitment to improving living standards in its host communities.
