Monrovia, Liberia, Tuesday, May 28, 2024 – Leading Liberian Cement Producer, CEMENCO has identified with several hospitals and clinics in the country in furtherance of its corporate social responsibilities.
Targeted beneficiaries are JFK Medical Center, Redemption Hospital, AL-Hilal Medical and Surgical Clinic on Jamaica Road and Mawah Clinic in Vai Town.
The Company over the weekend donated 200 bags of locally gowned and packaged rice, produced by the Community of Hope Agriculture Project.
Speaking during the donation ceremony, CEMENCO Managing Director, William Gaignard, committed his company to helping fight against malnutrition in a sustainable way.
Mr. Gaignard also got praises from the audience for his commitment to serving humanity and huge contributions to communities over the years.
Aware of the crucial needs for food, particularly rice, expressed by several hospitals and health centers, Mr. Gaignard disclosed that CEMENCO has decided to take concrete measures to provide effective and lasting aid.
‘‘CEMENCO’s main objective is to promote and enhance the work of our Liberian farmers, who produce rice of exceptional quality. By promoting the recognition and distribution of this rice throughout the country, CEMENCO is not only helping to meet immediate food needs, it is also supporting the local economy and strengthening long-term food security,’’ he stated.
“To this end, CEMENCO is implementing several initiatives. Distribution of quality rice in health centers. CEMENCO has decided on an action to provide locally produced rice to hospitals and health centers with critical needs. This approach makes it possible to respond quickly to food emergencies while supporting local producers,’’ the Company Boss added.
According to him, CEMENCO is launching a promotion campaign through its Facebook and partnership with the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP) SRI to publicize the quality of Liberian rice throughout the country.
Mr. Gaignard pointed out that this campaign aims to raise consumers’ awareness of the importance of buying local and to promote the work of Liberian farmers.
Interestingly, the CEMENCO Boss mentioned that in the longer term, CEMENCO plans to have Liberian rice recognized beyond ‘‘our borders throughout our publications on Facebook and with the European Chambers of Commerce in Liberia.’’
“By promoting our Liberian rice abroad, we hope to open new markets for our farmers and improve their income and quality of life. These actions will make a significant step in CEMENCO’s commitment to combat malnutrition and promote Liberian rice,’’ he asserted.
Said the MD “Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow citizens and support the sustainable development of our country. We are counting on your support and collaboration to achieve these ambitious goals.
Also speaking, representatives of the receiving institutions, lauded the Management of CEMENCO for the donation, describing it as timely.
They expressed gratitude over the donation of Liberian rice, noting, it could not have come at a better time than now, when there is a dire need for food at the hospitals.
The recipients, who spoke individually for their respective institutions, promised to use the donated rice for the intended purpose.
While extolling CEMENCO for its continuous contributions to hospitals and schools, the beneficiaries urged other companies in the country to emulate the good humanitarian gestures of the leading cement factory.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP), Robert Bima, thanked the Management of CEMENCO for doing business with his entity, through the purchasing of 200 bags of locally produced rice.
Mr. Bima described CEMENCO MD, Gaignard as someone who is truthful to his words, following their meeting at Mamba Point Hotel for the Global Hunger Index Report Launch by the Government of Liberia recently.
Mr. Bima said during their interaction, the CEMENCO Boss expressed interest in getting rice from his company, something he fulfilled by buying 200 bags of the Liberian rice.
The CHAP CEO encouraged Liberians to emulate the foot step of the CEMENCO Boss by purchasing Liberian own rice, which he described as carry nutritional.
He said his company has been boosted with the purchase of the 200 bags of rice by CEMENCO.
‘‘The more you eat the rice you love the rice. We look forward for the partnership. We thank CEMENCO for standing with us,’’ he said.
The latest intervention by CEMENCO is yet another demonstration of the company’s resounding commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibilities.
Since starting operation in 1968, CEMENCO has been a mainstay, contributing not just to nation-building but also countless humanitarian interventions and empowerment opportunities.
It has built good relationships with communities within its operation area, including Jamaica Road, Bilayma, Saw Mill and Bassa Town.
