By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)
As they strive towards their key Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR), Rogbamgba community located at the Wharf area via the Hastings settlement in the Western Area Rural District is set to get a standard market structure, community center, and other development projects from MACCEM INDUSTRY CEMENT FACTORY as part of the company’s social commitment.
Already, the construction project of MACCEM factory is near completion at Rogbamgba Junction. When finished, it is said to benefit hundreds of Rogbamgban’s residents.
Sounding the views of the headman (HM) of Rogbamgba community, Alhaji Saidu Tonko Kamara, said that before now the area close to the Wharf was very terrible as it posed danger for the inhabitants, noting that with the intervention of MACCEM INDUSTRY, the situation has been improved speedily.
Kamara confirmed that before commencement of the state-of-the-art cement factory, there was an agreement made between the company and community stakeholders to addressing the challenges and needs of the community, especially with the provision of basic amenities and the implementation of other community development agendas.
“MACCEM INDUSTRY has been cordially cooperating, and we are appreciative because the factory project is huge, and if completed in the future it could employ thousands of youth,” he said. The headman disclosed how MACCEM INDUSTRY has provided the necessary building materials needed for the construction of both the market and community center.
He, however, said the only thing the community is requesting from the government is for the factory to be doing internal manufacturing and production of cement, but should not only be limited to supply chain management.
According to the headman, a 27-man committee was set up to monitor and coordinate the affairs of the projects with the support of Honorable Vincent Kanu and other stakeholders including the councilors-elect to fast-track the process and enhance quality outcome within the community.
He further elaborated on the issue of encroachment that is ongoing at the market site earlier on the estimated land which is over ten acres.
He, therefore, appealed to other companies that are operating in the Rogbamgba municipality and beyond to copy MACCEM INDUSTRY’s exemplary initiative in a bid to complementing the government’s efforts, especially in the area of job creation, and human capital development.
According to John Rocker Kanu, caretaker of Rogbamgba community market confirmed to this medium that the metropolis was in desperate need of a market place, health centre, and educational facilities. But, with the collaborative effort and sacrifice made by progress-minded youth, women, and community stakeholders, the community is today enjoying plenty of the facilities. This is especially seen with the coming in of MACCEM INDUSTRY with a huge investment package of over 25 million dollars being attracted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to improve trade investment protocols.
Meanwhile, the youth and women have also commended the company for its great investment strides in the community.
They are calling on the management of the Hastings Tollgate to emulate such wonderful initiatives for the general good of the majority.
Notwithstanding, Madam Zanbia Jalloh said the effort of MACCEM INDUSTRY’S Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ahmed Mackie, has on several occasions demonstrated commitment to ensuring that the project is completed.
And that production or manufacturing of the cement will start immediately upon completion of the construction of the factory. He was assuring the people that the company’s cement products will be of high quality and at an affordable cost to all and sundry.