By: Precious Patricks
The Putu Mining Company’s closure in Grand Gedeh has led to reduced student enrollment and a dramatic increase in unemployment, particularly among employees, 11 years after its closure.
Russian company Putu Iron Ore closed operations in Tiama Town due to international crises in 2017, reportedly causing a population decline and increased unemployment rates in the bustling business hub. District Education Officer Martha Carmel reveals primary challenges faced by Putu schools, including a lack of paid teachers and 35 volunteer teachers, causing strain on the system and causing parents to refuse school attendance.
Principal Kingsley O. Adiagbo at Putu Central High School blames low enrollment on a dwindling population and parental financial struggles, with many students dropping out to work in gold mining. “The lack of stationery has also been a major issue, with supplies not being replenished by the government for the past four years.”
Nigerian teacher Muslima AjokeJemu expressed frustration over her 2022 volunteer teaching role and threatened to leave if the government did not provide payroll services. Doris Williams, town chair lady, expressed disappointment over the economic downturn following the mining company’s exit, stating that many parents are unable to afford schooling for their children.
The Putu Mining Company’s absence has significantly impacted the Grand Gedeh educational system, leading to unpaid teachers, low enrollment, and economic hardships, despite efforts by the school administration and community dwellers.
The Putu mine in Southeast Liberia, with an estimated 2.37 billion tonnes of iron ore, is one of the world’s largest. The Putu iron ore project, a 425 square kilometer exploration tenement in south-east Liberia, includes a 12km ridge of banded iron formation, consisting of haematite and magnetite.
