GVL donates crude palm oil to host communities in Sinoe

Following the start of palm oil production and the dedication on 19 April 2016 of its mini mill in Tarjuowon District, Golden Veroleum Liberia or GVL has donated drums of crude palm oil to host communities in Sinoe County, Southeast Liberia. 

According to GVL, large drums of palm oil were distributed in Tarjuowon District while Butaw, Numopoh, Tartweh, Nitrain, Du Wolie Nyennue and Sorbor in the Dugbe River got one drum each. Presenting the oil to the communities, GVL General Manager for sustainability in Sinoe County Mr. Flomo Molubah said, the company respects the rights, traditions and culture of local communities, and noted that this is the first step to GVL meeting its aspirations to producing high quality palm oil from Sinoe and Grand Kru counties, respectively for use and sale locally as well as export. He thanked communities for the support they have given in reaching this significant milestone  Mr. Molubah urged the citizens to invite all members of the communities to sample this first oil, saying, “Although it is not much to share at the moment, it gives all community members an opportunity to share GVL’s joy by tasting our first production.”

A press release issued by the company says the first oil comes from the fruits of palm trees planted in Butaw District, and soon from Numopoh. A special service was held in Butaw before the mill dedication to honour the contribution of the community. 

For his part, the superintendent of Tarjuowon statutory district, Paul Chea, lauded the management of Golden Veroleum for its commitment and for remembering the people of Tarjuowon. He said GVL has proved to be a true partner by distributing the first oil produced from its mill among its host communities. “GVL has proven to be committed to us. By distributing the first oil from the mill, GVL is showing that it really loves us and we believe that more will come.”

Superintendent Chea said the presence of GVL has brought significant change in his district and Sinoe at large. He named the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, hand pumps and schools as some of the social benefits communities are getting from GVL.

He said the rehabilitation, opening and construction of roads will improve the flow of goods and services to and from the county’s capital Greenville, and other surrounding communities, adding, “Before GVL, we had decades of inaccessibility for residents and commuters due to road damage caused by heavy downpours in the rainy season. Now we have much more reliable road links.”

Speaking on behalf of Du- Wolie Township, Commissioner Ramsey Snoh thanked GVL Management for the recognition for their community. He said, “GVL is yet to move in our Township, but the fact that the company has recognized the people of Du Wolie and Nyennue means that the company is committed to working with its host communities and improving their livelihood.”

Commissioner Snoh pledged to distribute the oil equally among members of the community and urged citizens of Du – Wolie – Nyennue to act fast in signing the MOU that will bring more development and employment to the community. “We need to act very fast to sign this MOU so that more development and employment will come to our people. Your palm oil is good and we want it to be planted here as well,” he concluded. 

Golden Veroleum Liberia commissioned its first mini mill in Sinoe in April 2016 with an operating capacity of 5 tonnes per hour. The company plans to complete its main mill construction in the first half of 2017 with an eventual capacity of 80 tonnes per hour. The projects are fulfilling GVL’s commitment to bringing major investment in factories and industries to the Liberian Southeast. When completed, the main mill will bring additional employment for at least 150 Liberian staff and professionals. Press release