By alimamy.jalloh@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a recent press briefing at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Jogor Bah, Deputy Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s Standards Bureau, announced the launch of a Public and Private Integrated Trade Scheme aimed at addressing the challenges posed by substandard goods in the country. This initiative, developed with support from donor partners and the Government of Sierra Leone, comes in response to recent incidents involving the importation of defective building materials and expired food and non-food items.
Bah revealed that the Standards Bureau has established 500 national standards, which include laboratories dedicated to testing both food and non-food products to ensure their safety for consumers. He emphasized the importance of these standards, stating, “Without proper testing, imported products will not be permitted entry into the country.”
Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, the Bureau has developed a new program known as the Consignment Assessment and Conformity Base Program Scheme. This program aims to enhance Sierra Leone’s laboratory capabilities, establishing specialized facilities to assess the quality of imported goods.
The scheme is set to launch on June 1, 2025, with an initial target of inspecting 20% of imported goods before gradually moving towards a goal of zero tolerance for substandard items. Additionally, two new laboratories focusing on temperature assessment will be introduced next year, complementing the four existing labs designated for various testing purposes.
Addressing concerns about substandard iron rods in the market, Bah outlined the necessary specifications for iron rods. He stated that a full-length iron rod should measure 40 feet with a diameter of 6 millimeters, yielding approximately 377 pieces per ton. For half-inch rods, the specifications require a length of 40 feet with a diameter of 12 millimeters, equating to 94 pieces per ton. Bah highlighted ongoing issues since 2019, where corrupt practices have led to the importation of shorter and smaller iron rods than required, significantly impacting consumer safety.
Fatmata Kargbo, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, assured the public that these issues will be addressed with the forthcoming production of locally manufactured iron rods in the Songo Community. AJ/21/8/2024
