The Ministry of Trade and Industry has addressed recent concerns raised in both mainstream and social media about the importation and sale of substandard iron rods, which have reportedly contributed to the collapse of buildings across the country.
In a press release issued yesterday, the Ministry stated, “The attention of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and its agencies has been drawn to reports over the mainstream and social media indicting the Ministry and its agencies over the importation and sale of poor quality/substandard iron rods to the public.”
The Ministry emphasized its ongoing efforts to ensure that all imported goods, including iron rods, meet the established specifications set by the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau.
“We have been working closely with our agencies to look into the issue of quality and standards of imported goods, including iron rods, to ensure that they meet the established specifications,” the release noted.
To address these concerns, the Ministry has held several meetings with major importers of iron rods and building materials. Additionally, a series of on-the-spot field monitoring visits were recently conducted in Freetown to assess the compliance of shops and stores with the country’s importation standards.
“The general public should rest assured that the Ministry and its agencies will continue to work assiduously to ensure that the perennial problem of importation of substandard/poor quality products in the country is checked to guarantee consumers of value for their money,” the statement conconclude.
Over the past couple of months there have been incidents of collapse of buildings across the country with several lives and property lost in process.
