-As They Petition The House of Representatives
Monrovia, Liberia – Concerned Liberian Businessmen and Women, a coalition of local entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders, have submitted a formal petition to the 55th Legislature, urging immediate action to address the proliferation of substandard building materials in Liberia. The petition, received by Honorable Prince Toles, Chairman of the Claims and Petitions Committee, highlights the dangers posed by inferior construction materials and calls for stricter regulations to safeguard public safety and promote economic growth.
The Issue at Hand
The petition underscores the widespread use of substandard building materials, particularly steel rods, which threaten the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure across the country. The coalition expressed grave concerns over the dominance of foreign entities, such as Sehti Brothers Incorporated, in the steel rod market. According to the petition, these companies have driven local businesses out of the market, monopolized production and distribution, and flooded the market with low-quality materials.
“The use of substandard materials poses a serious threat to the safety and security of our citizens and hinders the progress and development of our infrastructure,”* the petition stated. It further criticized Sehti Brothers for increasing steel rod prices while supplying inferior products, exacerbating the risks to public safety and economic stability.
Key Recommendations
The Concerned Liberian Businessmen and Women outlined ten critical recommendations to address the issue: Implement Strict Quality Standards: Enforce regulations to ensure all building materials meet safety and quality benchmarks, Conduct Regular Inspections: Audit manufacturing plants to ensure compliance with quality standards, Impose Heavy Penalties: Fine companies producing substandard materials to deter unethical practices, Support Local Manufacturers: Provide incentives to local businesses to enhance their capacity and competitiveness and Restrict Foreign Monopolies: Limit the control of foreign companies over production and distribution.
Among others are to Promote Fair Competition: Create policies to level the playing field for local and foreign businesses, Enhance Transparency: Increase accountability in the business sector to prevent corruption, Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with industry experts and consumer groups to improve material quality, Build a Strong Regulatory Framework: Develop robust enforcement mechanisms to protect consumers, and Prioritize Economic Independence: Ensure Liberia’s economic interests are protected over those of foreign corporations.
Call to Action
The coalition urged the legislature to take swift and decisive action to regulate the production and importation of building materials, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of Liberian citizens must be prioritized. “Liberia’s economic independence and the safety of its citizens are at stake,” the petition stated. “We implore our representatives to prioritize the interests of the Liberian people over those of foreign corporations.”
The petition also called on all stakeholders in the construction industry to prioritize the use of high-quality materials and actively participate in efforts to eliminate substandard products. “Our buildings and infrastructure must be built to the highest standards to ensure the safety and prosperity of our nation,”the coalition emphasized.
Legislative Response
Honorable Prince Toles, Chairman of the Claims and Petitions Committee, acknowledged receipt of the petition and assured the coalition that their concerns would be thoroughly reviewed. “We take these matters seriously and will work diligently to address the issues raised in the petition,” he stated. The petition is expected to be discussed in upcoming legislative sessions, with potential hearings involving industry stakeholders and government regulators.
