Workers at the Mackie Cement Factory better known as Maccem Industries SL Ltd are  breathing a big sigh of relief following the assurance of their Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahmed Mackie, that he is ready and willing to improve their conditions of service.

This commitment follows the recent visit of a team from the Ministry of Labour and Employment following the cry of workers in relation to bad condition of service including but not limited to lack of social security, minimum wages, poor salary structure, lack of allowances, rent, identification cards and other benefits as entitlements for both workers at the stores at Ferry Junction and the factory at the mortgaged, Hastings.

The disgruntled workers told Africa24 that it would have been very difficult for them to cope with the harsh economic realities on the ground, with daily hike in prices of essential commodities which undoubtedly have culminated into high cost of living. “But we now believe with this commitment, we will be able to at least take care of our homes if not one hundred percent,” they stated.

To further allay the fears of these workers, CEO Mackie said with over 1000 of them in his employ will be trained to work at the factory which is set to start operations before 2024.

Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, the Minister of Labour confirmed his meeting with the workers at both sites to get actual information about their current condition as their welfare is very important to his Ministry and government in general.

He said he wants to ensure that their condition of service is improved though he said investors too are facing numerous challenges nowadays in the country.

Meanwhile, the minister commended Maccem Industries SL Ltd among other investors to have done well in terms of compliance.

He disclosed that they have established a daily production of 50,000 bags of cements which will be sold all over the country, especially in the provinces.

The Minister commended Maccem Industries for the investments over the years, expressing hope that Sierra Leoneans would soon stop importing cement and instead will start exporting.

“This is a credible investment and I am sure that by the time you start operations, tens of thousands of Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad will be employed as staff and casuals in a bid to deescalate the unemployment rate in the country,” he registered.

Meanwhile, he assured the workers that their condition of services will be addressed with passions because Maccem Industries is here to curb a huge number of unemployed people in the country.