ECONOMIC SABOTAGE!
…PARLIAMENT EXPOSES ROMANIAN CONSUL, OTHERS
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (Kamalo)
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Bashiru Silikie has called for an immediate investigation into what he labeled as the “mass exploitation” of both the government and the citizens of Sierra Leone by Ahmed Mackie, a Lebanese businessman who also serves as Romania’s Honorary Consul in Sierra Leone, along with other cement importers in the region.
During a recent parliamentary session, Hon. Silikie urged the Parliamentary Committee on Transparency and Accountability to mount a thorough inquiry into the actions of cement importers and manufacturers, especially as public anxiety grows over ongoing cement shortages and soaring prices across the country.
His call comes amid a wave of complaints from consumers, contractors, builders, and business owners who are struggling with steep price hikes in cement, despite the government’s attempts to stabilize the market and make this essential material more affordable.
Hon. Silikie pointed out that the government has, over the years, offered substantial concessions, tax breaks, and other incentives to cement investors, hoping these advantages would lead to increased production, a steady supply, and lower prices for the people of Sierra Leone.
At the heart of the issue is an agreement made between the Government of Sierra Leone and Ahmed Mackie’s MACCEM Company, which reportedly allowed the company to benefit from various incentives designed to boost local cement production and lessen reliance on imports. In exchange, the company was expected to ensure a reliable supply of cement and help keep market prices reasonable to support national development, particularly in the construction and infrastructure sectors. However, concerns are now rife following alleged failure of the company to keep its end of the bargain.
Even more exploiting is the allegation that, despite the incentives provided, cement producers and importers are still hiking prices while consumers are left grappling with ongoing shortages throughout the country. Hon. Silikie pointed out that this situation raises serious doubts about whether some players in the market are intentionally creating artificial shortages, hoarding supplies, or manipulating distribution channels just to boost their profits at the expense of everyday Sierra Leoneans.
“The government has done its part by offering the necessary support and incentives, yet the people are still suffering from soaring cement prices and scarcity,” the Deputy Leader told Parliament, emphasizing that this issue needs urgent attention. The lawmaker also cautioned that any intentional effort to withhold cement from the market or manipulate prices would be tantamount to economic sabotage, especially considering how vital cement is for housing construction, infrastructure development, and the growth of the private sector. These allegations have sparked renewed discussions about what some lawmakers and stakeholders are calling a powerful cement cartel operating within the country, which allegedly has the power to set prices and disrupt supply, even in the face of government efforts. Observers believe that a parliamentary investigation could uncover the real reasons behind these persistent shortages and whether those benefiting from government incentives are actually adhering to the terms and conditions tied to those benefits.
As public frustration grows over the rising costs of construction materials, many Sierra Leoneans are now turning to Parliament and regulatory bodies to demand accountability and ensure that businesses receiving state support are also fulfilling their responsibilities to the nation.
The Parliamentary Committee on Transparency is expected to take up this issue in the coming days.
More in subsequent edition…