The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Trade and Industry, chaired by Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, has concluded a four-day oversight tour of key companies in Freetown, highlighting progress in industrial growth, corporate social responsibility, and job creation.
The committee visited Confidence Trading Company (CTC), Zala Petroleum, Rockcem, ODHAV Industries, Lintel Royal Paint, Rock Y. Line, Sonoco Sierra Leone, Aminata Petroleum, and Kissy Industry, among others. The visits aimed at gathering first-hand information on the achievements and challenges of businesses to inform parliamentary support for national development.
At Kissy Industry, MPs observed compliance with a parliamentary agreement to expand vegetable oil production for local and regional markets. Rockcem was commended for constructing a modern cement factory, while ODHAV Industries was praised for producing high-quality iron rods and ensuring workers’ welfare.
The committee noted that Rock Y. Line has begun large-scale production of rubber slippers locally, and Lintel Royal Paint continues to deliver quality products to the market. Sonoco Sierra Leone is building a flour mill expected to produce 600 metric tons per day, while Aminata Petroleum assured MPs of world-class fuel quality.
CTC, identified as a leading rice importer, pledged to maintain sustainable rice supply but appealed for reduced freight insurance costs to help lower market prices. Zala Petroleum was recognized for its role in stabilizing fuel prices nationwide.
Chairperson Sesay stressed that the committee’s oversight is rooted in its constitutional mandate to monitor progress and challenges within the trade and industrial sector. She emphasized the need for collaboration between Parliament and industry to drive national growth.
The committee concluded that the companies visited are not only contributing to industrial development but also providing significant employment opportunities and supporting communities through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
