ArcelorMittal Liberia has begun renovation works on the only public school in Makinto. SORECCO, a construction company with an outstanding record for project implementation, is implementing the renovation.
At a brief introductory program in Makinto on August 5, Daniel S. Sayon, Safety Officer overseeing the workers, said that the work is expected to be completed in two months.
Sayon said they have major work on the roof to do, with some intervention to be made on the floor. He added that his team has seven men, and they will certainly recruit some individuals from the community to serve as helpers.
ArcelorMittal Liberia built the school, but it was damaged by heavy storms, resulting in a complete shutdown. The roof and the ceiling are damaged, with a segment of the floor.
While the structure itself remains relatively good and solid, Sayon said his team will do some touching on it before painting.
Harrison Waydon, Community Relations Superintendent, told the contracted company to exert every effort to complete the work before school opens. Mr. Waydon urged them also to prioritize people of the town for any available space.
He also warned the local people against stealing materials intended for the project to avoid hindrance, stressing that any act on the part of citizens to impede the work will come with its own consequences on the town’s people.
Prior to erecting this building in Makinto, the town did not have a school. Children, according to residents, went to Sanniquellie to attend, and those who could not participate in remained without education.
AML staff, contractors and locals on the campus
Patrick Beglar, Town Chief of Makinto, assured ArcelorMittal Liberia that he and the local leaders will work with the contractors to ensure that the work is done without any inconvenience.
Mr. Beglar stressed that they are on the watch for anyone who attempts to steal the materials brought for the work, noting that whoever is caught stealing them will face the consequences thereof.
He commended ArcelorMittal Liberia and said, “We have been without a school building for years now. Children must leave here to go to Sanniquellie before attending. We are grateful to ArcelorMittal for coming in to renovate the school with the assurance that, before the academic year commences, the building will be completed. We are happy for this news and what we are seeing.”
