KAKATA, May 20 (LINA) - The Management of the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) located in Gibi District, Upper Margibi County, has accused the local advocacy group, Green Advocate, of inciting local residents in its concession area.

In a press release issued recently, the SRC said they have enjoyed a harmonious working relationship with local residents since August 1, 1959, until 2013 when the Green Advocate entered their plantation and began inciting the local residents who are now accusing the management of SRC of encroaching on their land.

The SRC said the Green Advocate is using a similar method to incite residents in several other concession companies in the country, encouraging them to riot and make accusations without evidence so that they can get more money from these companies.

The Management of SRC said it has made series of payments for crops to farmers and local residents, and that these payments were witnessed by the Government through the Ministries of Agriculture and Internal Affairs.

Since 2001, SRC has been replanting and extending its plantation to reach the 8,000 hectares approved by the Government of Liberia under the August 1, 1959 concession agreement.

The company currently has in its employ almost 2,000 workers.
It said it is providing education for over 4,000 children in its school system and hosting a population of more than 10,000 inhabitants in its concession area.

However, when the Liberia News Agency contacted Counselor Alfred Brownell via mobile phone on the allegations by the SRC management, he refused to comment and hung up his phone.
LINA RDB/TSS/PTK