By Sallieu S. Kanu
Ministry of Trade and Industry has closed 10 shops that were engaged in the selling of substandard iron rods, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Fatmata Kargbo told a regular news conference in Freetown that the government has implemented mechanisms requiring importers to obtain certification from the Ministry before importing iron rods.
She said the Ministry has engaged importers, resulting in the cessation of the importation of substandard iron rods.
‘’Monitoring will also be conducted at ports to ensure that only iron rods that meet the correct specifications enter the country,” she said.
Her statement came following concern about the proliferation of substandard building materials resulting in poor structures.
The Deputy Minister of Trade announced that Odhav Multi Industries (SL) Ltd., an iron rod manufacturing company located in Songo, will be commissioned by the end of this year. This initiative aligns with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision to reduce the country’s reliance on imported iron rods, thereby boosting Sierra Leone’s manufacturing sector.
Madam Kargbo emphasized President Bio’s commitment to consumer protection, which led to the establishment of the National Consumer Protection Commission in 2020. The Commission serves as a platform for citizens to voice complaints about substandard products or services. Additionally, the Ministry’s Directorate of Standards and Compliance monitors agencies under the Ministry to ensure adherence to quality standards.