Scrap Metal Association (SMA) has issued a letter appealing to President Koroma and the Trade minister to lift the ban on the sale of scrap metal.
The letter, which was signed by the secretary general Alpha Kamara, described the trade as their “only source of employment.”
The letter notes that, “the rate at which youths engaged in the buying and selling of scrap metal is about 70%, where about 40,000 dependants depend on these youths for their sustenance.”
“However, we are accused of cutting electrical copper and aluminum cables to hinder the ongoing development of electricity in the city,” the letter states. The letter discloses that those who were caught in this nefarious act to hinder the development process are not members of the association, but described them as “thieves, blacksmiths and hanger makers.” The appeal letter points out that “from the regulations made by scrap dealers, and stakeholders on November 19th; [the association has made a] declaration and commitment to best practices by dealers of scrap metal.”
“Each scrap metal dealer shall apply in writing to the Trade ministry and must spelt out in the application the type of business to be transacted,” the letter suggests.
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