Ahmed Mackie, Chief Executive Officer of MACCEM Industries Sierra Leone, has recently increased the cost of cement from Nle140 to Nle150 as whole sales, causing significant difficulties for Sierra Leoneans.
Mackie, a Romanian investor, has a history of creating cement shortages in the country and subsequently raising prices without consulting the Ministry of Trade or other relevant authorities.
Mrs. Fatmata Benjamin Jones, one of his customers, expressed frustration over the price hike, stating that Mackie is exploiting the lack of sufficient cement factories in Sierra Leone.
“I have been buying cement for Nle140 per bag, but today the price has jumped to Nle150 which is too much for me,” she said angrily.
According to her, if they bought cement at the cost of Nle150 per bag as whole sales, they will leave with no option but to sell at the cost of Nle180 to Nle190 per bag as retails.
Madam Jones urged the government to implement price regulations for cement, similar to those for a bag of rice. However, the government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Trade is expecting all Cement importers to sell a bag of cement between Nle120 to Nle140 until a new pricing formula is agreed between the government and the importer.
This criminal syndicate has been in existence for a very long time, where cement investors especially Ahmed Mackie always hikes cement price to maximize profits at the expense of poor consumes.
Additionally, residents around Ferry Junction and its surrounding areas have voiced concerns over persistent traffic congestion caused by MACCEM Industries’ heavy-duty trucks.
This issue has been a public concern for years, with many residents calling for the relocation of the factory. The blockage caused by these trucks has severely affected commuters, particularly vehicle owners. On our subsequent editions, this medium will unearth and bring you more details on how investors are offering gifts to government officials in name of bribing.
Despite repeated efforts, this medium has been unable to obtain a comment from MACCEM Industries CEO, who is the main large Cement importer regarding these serious concerns.
