The construction industry in Sierra Leone is facing significant concerns as allegations surface regarding the production and sale of substandard iron rods.

Dingli Company Ltd., located in Jui, behind the Chinese Hospital, is under scrutiny for allegedly supplying materials that fail to meet industry standards

These concerns are not isolated to Sierra Leone. In Nigeria, the Federal Consumer Competition Protection (FCCPC) Commission and has initiated investigations into local manufacturers following reports of mislabeling and poor-quality iron rods. Preliminary findings revealed that some companies were labeling 10mm rods as 12mm, contributing to frequent building collapses. “Safety is our priority, and cutting corners will not be tolerated,” stated FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi. Rigorous product testing is ongoing, and severe penalties are anticipated for violators.

In Sierra Leone, similar concerns have been highlighted by the engineering community.

Engineers and architects have noted discrepancies between the advertised specifications and actual of iron rods, Including variations in tensile strength and diameter. Recent tests reportedly revealed that 29% of samples fell below acceptable standards, posing risks to the structural integrity of buildings.

Stakeholders have called for stricter regulatory enforcement and greater public awareness of quality certification.

As scrutiny intensifies, authorities in Sierra Leone and across West Africa are being urged to implement stringent measures to ensure product compliance and protect public safety. The spotlight is now firmly on manufacturers like Dingli Company LTD to uphold quality standards and restore confidence in the construction sector.