Top: GVLcompletes the construction of a clinic in Tartweh, Drapoh Chiefdom, Sinoe County/ The DayLIght/ Franklin K. Nehyalor
By Franklin K. Nehyalor
TARTWEH-DRAPOH, Sinoe County – After more than a decade of protests, Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) has finally established a community clinic to serve its workers and residents.
“We are happy that our people no longer have to travel [far away] for treatment. They can now receive medical care right here in Tartweh,” said Nunu Broh, former Tartweh-Drapoh Agriculture Development Committee chairman. “This is a very significant step because seeking treatment [elsewhere] was a major problem for our community.”
In 2010, GVL and the Government of Liberia signed a 65-year Concession Agreement, granting the company rights to 220,000 hectares of land across Sinoe, Grand Kru, Maryland, River Gee, and River Cess counties. This agreement required GVL to enter an MoU with affected communities and commit to constructing a school, hand pumps, and a clinic.
GVL signed the MoU with the Tartweh-Drapoh Chiefdom of Kpayan District, Sinoe County, obligating, Liberia’s largest oil palm investor to build a clinic in the area. However, the company failed to live up to its obligation.
Over a decade, residents walked three hours to Kabada in a neighboring for chiefdom treatment. The absence of a local healthcare facility led to growing frustration and mounting pressure on GVL.
In October 2023, residents protested against GVL, demanding that the company honor its commitments. In response, GVL signed a resolution with the community in May last year, agreeing to construct a temporary clinic to provide immediate healthcare services until a permanent facility could be built.
Several months later, GVL completed the Tartweh Clinic, following a series of DayLight investigations, holding the company to account.
The newly established clinic, which opened in October, now provides medical services to dozens of workers and residents from surrounding communities.
Located in a GVL estate, and painted in green and white, it has a team of five staff members recruited from Tartweh and neighboring areas. GVL did not answer emailed questions regarding the clinic.
“This is a major improvement from the past. It marks a new beginning in the relationship between GVL and the community,” said Broh.
“Moving forward, we expect GVL to honor all other commitments it made to the community.”
The Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA) provided funding for this story. The DayLight maintained editorial independence over the story’s content.
