Firestone at Harbel and Buchanan

Firestone was always considered to be the jewel in Liberia’s crown. Founded back in the early 1930's and continuously operating through a world war and civil wars it has provided employment for generations. Regimental lines of rubber trees surround you as you approach the centre of the plantation. Small cups hanging on wire strips to catch the precious latex and large wooden boxes are interspersed around the plantation to store the latex for collection. The staff houses at Firestone were always considered to be the best situated and constructed in Liberia and they still reflect the high standards that were in place before the wars. Back in the 1960’s and 70’s schoolchildren from all over Liberia used to make field trips to see the plantation and how rubber was made.

 

Staff accommodation at Firestone at Harbel (Neil Coker 2013)

Firestone was also renowned for having a golf course, 9 holes and compacted dirt greens which is now re-instated in all of its glory. The bar and veranda upstairs in the Clubhouse is working and a relaxing place to stop for a meal and a drink.  

 

View of the golf course at Harbel (Neil Coker 2013)

 

Golf clubhouse at Harbel (Neil Coker 2013)

 

 

On the downside, at present there is nowhere in Harbel to stay overnight. This severely limits any potential to explore the local area. The current owners of the golf club are intending to build and operate a guest house so hopefully this will change in the near future.

 

The road between Harbel and Buchanan is being constructed by Chinese contractors and is nearly complete. The tarmac surface is pretty good and makes for a relaxing journey whilst allowing you to enjoy the surrounding countryside.

 

Harbel to Buchanan road (Neil Coker 2013)

 

 

A couple of bridges are still under construction and it is interesting to see the difference between the modern construction and the stalwart structures built in the 1940’s and 50’s.

 

I think I prefer the old one!(Neil Coker 2013)

 

Buchanan itself is a sprawling place with a grid layout of primary and secondary roads. It suffered during the wars and the subsequent lack of investment has left the majority of buildings in either a derelict or dilapidated state. Petty crime is rife and you have to take care in some areas. Arcelor Mittal are the big investors in Buchanan nowadays and provide the primary employment opportunity for the community. It was interesting driving across to the port and seeing the operations and improvements taking place simultaneously.

 

Pen-pens everywhere you look (Neil Coker 2013)

 

Buchanan has mainly dirt roads although the Chinese upgrades are taking place so diversions occur on an ad hoc basis. Everywhere you look, you can see “pen pen” the small motorbike taxis plying their trade. Unlike some other poorer areas in Liberia, many people are trading along the side of the road and there is a feeling of vibrancy in the centre of town.

Downtown Buchanan (Neil Coker 2013)