Sinoe County – (January 11, 2019)– Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) says it will explore the expansion of its oil palm project to Toto in Lower Sanquein, Sinoe County following a request from citizens of the statutory district.

Any GVL project requires the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of communities and the satisfactory completion of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA). These undertakings typically take more than nine (9) months before any expansion decision can be made together with project communities.

GVL operates six estates in Sinoe County in Butaw, Tarjouwon North and South, Numopoh, Tartweh, Kabada and Du-Wolee districts.

GVL’s statement comes as a result of a call made by citizens of Toto administrative District, Lower Sanquein Statutory District, Sinoe County seeking GVL project expansion to their community.

The citizens believe the presence of the company will help alleviate poverty in the district as there will be employment, infrastructure development and other social and economic benefits to the people

“Our people are suffering. We want you to extend your operation to Toto, Sanquin so that we can have some employment and build our own houses and we believe this will help reduce poverty.” Larry Wleh, Toto spokesperson.

The request was made when an eight member’ delegation visited Butaw estate following up on several invitation letters sent to GVL management from 2014 onwards inviting the company to extend its operations to their land.