Date of publication: July 31, 2008
Source: The Analyst (Liberia)
» http://www.analystliberia.com/firestone_linked_to_pollution_and_abuses_july30_08.html [1]
By J. Nathaniel Daygbor
The Firestone Rubber Plantation Company in Harbel, Margibi County is making claims of gains it is making in its activities since the sitting of the Ellen-led government, such as housing and education, but a local environmental group thinks otherwise.
Save My Future Foundation (SAMFU) says the company is abusing its workers and also polluting the Farmington River.
Allegation of abuse and pollution of the Farmington River is not extraordinary as far as the operation of the company is concerned, as most organizations such as Green Advocates have been saying, but the management from time to time rubbished those allegations.
However, SAMFU said it has conducted investigation and documented plethora of abuses being carried on by the company. Among other things, the group in a document released last Thursday claimed Firestone is not doing enough to stop the pollution of the Farmington River in Owens Grooves, Grand Bassa County as well as bad labor practices.
The group also noted in its documentary that the government has failed to take legal and any punitive action against the Firestone Rubber Plantation, adding "it appears that the company is above the law".
Releasing the report on behalf of SAMFU at a launch ceremony, Project Officer Robert Nyahn said the environmental conditions at the Firestone have not changed and that wastes are still affecting the citizens of the area, something he urged the Firestone Management to handle as speedily as possible.
That besides, the SAMFU official said Firestone is underpaying its employees. "In 2004, Firestone reaped over US$7.2 billion as profits but was awarded by an American organization as the "worst and most underpaid company of the year," he recalled.
Mr. Nyahn noted that while it is true that the company has improved its housing sector and has increased the construction of schools in the various divisions, he noted that many of the locals who have worked in the Plantation for the rest of their life are still living in terrible conditions.
He pointed out that the pollution of the Farmington River does not only affect the inhabitants of the area, but the species of the river as well. He said "Firestone is not environment friendly. What they are doing now will affect the river over the next ten years, if nothing is done to stop the bad environment habits.
Also speaking at the program, a resident of the Owens Grooves Community, Robert Benson said they are considering firing a lawsuit against Firestone Management for what he called "the manner in which they are treating them".
He said they're consulting with political leaders, which include representatives, superintendent and other relevant government officials before taking the action.
When the Public Relation Manager of the Firestone Plantation, Mr. Rufus Karmoh, was contacted, he declined to comment on grounds that they have not received any copy of the report.