Liberia: MOCI Cracks Down on Supplier of Fake Electrical Appliances
— Clarifies vehicle accident report
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has busted and closed down a company involved in the illegal manufacturing of electric wires and light bulbs.
Out of concerns for the increased fire disasters within Monrovia and its environs, MOCI, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other partners has been conducting its own investigation, particularly looking at the quality and standards of building materials.
As a result of the exercise, the Ministry revealed in a release on Monday, March 18, that it discovered the illegal manufacturing of electrical building materials, particularly wires and light bulbs by a company called National Cables, located in Neezoe Community, Paynesville.
Upon inspection of the facility, it was discovered that National Cables, though registered with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has neither an EPA permit to operate such a factory nor any evidence that these products were tested and certificated by National Standards Authority for compliance.
It was noted that the packaging of what seems to be substandard wires mimicked a popular imported brand. As a result, the company has been immediately shut down and its premises locked pending further investigation.
In another development, the Commerce Ministry said its attention has been drawn to social media reports, claiming that relatives and associates of Commerce and Industry Minister Amin Modad have been having access to the Ministry’s properties, including his government assigned vehicle, which was involved in an accident on Monday, March 8.
The ministry in a release issued on yesterday, stated emphatically that since Minister Modad assumed official duties on February 6, 2024, he has not used his government-assigned vehicle.
Contrary to the social media posts that the vehicle involved in the accident was being used by the new Commerce Minister, the Ministry wishes to clarify that he has been using his personal vehicle.
The vehicle in question was parked on the premises of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to be subsequently assigned to the newly appointed Deputy Minister for Commerce and Trade Services upon taking office. While the vehicle was parked, Mr. Siafa Gray, the assigned Driver to the Minister, unauthorized drove the vehicle away to allegedly facilitate the ongoing construction of a platform, located on the premises of the Ministry to host a new power generator.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry categorically states that Siaffa Gray's behavior is not only unauthorized but unacceptable and has, with immediate effect, suspended him pending investigation.
The ministry expressed regret over this unfortunate incident and hereby assures the public that appropriate actions have been taken to avoid a recurrence.