"I am deeply troubled
by the news from Bassa", Sen. Gbehzohngar M. Findley
President Pro-tempore Emeritus of the
Liberian Senate Gbehzohngar M. Findley has expressed concerns over news of a
horrific explosion involving loss of lives at the Liberia Agriculture Company
in Electoral District # 4 & 5, Grand Bassa County and called for speedy
medical care for citizens heavily affected by the explosion.
Speaking Friday in Monrovia, Sen. Findley extended
condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of injury
sustained from the chemical explosion in the LAC factory sometime this week. "I
am deeply troubled about this development in my county, but our thoughts and prayers go out to the
victims, their families, and loved ones,” he said.
It can be recalled that an explosion occurred
at the factory of the Liberian Agriculture Company (LAC) where chemical
substances are used for the processing of rubber on the plantation; leaving 17
workers seriously injured and 3 dead after a short stay at the companies'
health facility in Grand Bassa County.
"I extend sympathy to the families for
the lost of their relatives and like to as well express solidarity for those
who are still under critical condition from injuries sustained from the
explosion. These are citizens who as a means to provide for their families , have
gone to work, but encountered this untimely and very unfortunate situation", Sen. Findley said in a statement.
Sen. Findley asserted that as a matter of urgency
and it is imperative that the company (LAC) goes a step further beyond what is
currently obtaining with respect to getting the proper medical care for the
remaining victims of the explosion even if it means they have to be referred to
an advance medical center where their survival can be assured. "My heart
bleeds upon hearing this news and I am disturbed. We should provide leadership
to give hope to those people and their families during these grave hours of
need".
He implored
the victims' families, the LAC Workers' Union, the Ministry of Labour and the
Management to cooperate and ensure that the affected employees get the
necessary attention ranging from medical to job injury benefits that are
required under our laws.
The Pro-tempore Emeritus maintained that by
doing so, will address the growing fears about the lack of interest in the
wellbeing of those affected employees and assure confidence. He is optimistic
that those affected will get the best medical care and settlement and that the people
can once again be sure of care while performing their duties on the job. Meanwhile,
Sen. Findley has called on concessions and the government to work along in
putting in place the necessary safety measures to prevent the reoccurrence of
such accidents and to assure safety for all employees across the country.
CONTRIBUTED BY: Alexander Bealded