By Kadiatu A Turay

Dingli Company Ltd., a prominent supplier of construction materials in Sierra Leone, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations that it has been supplying substandard iron rods to the market.

The controversy erupted earlier this week when several construction firms and engineers raised concerns about the quality of iron rods purchased from the company, claiming that they do not meet the required safety and durability standards.

According to reports, the rods in question failed critical tensile strength tests, raising fears about their ability to withstand structural loads. This has sparked public outcry, with stakeholders demanding swift action to address the issue.

“If these rods are used in buildings, the risk of collapse is significantly high,” warned Ibrahim Sesay, a structural engineer based in Freetown. “This is a matter of public safety, and it cannot be ignored.”

The allegations first surfaced on December 10, 2024, during a routine inspection at a major construction site in Freetown. Similar complaints have since been reported in Bo and Makeni, suggesting the issue is widespread.

Dingli Company Ltd., one of the largest suppliers of iron rods in Sierra Leone, is at the center of the controversy. The company supplies materials to various private and government funded projects across the country.

The Sierra Leone Standards Bureau (SLSB) has launched an investigation into the allegations. Speaking to the press, SLSB Director General Amara Kamara stated, “We take these complaints seriously and have already collected samples for testing. If the rods are indeed substandard, the company will face legal consequences.”

The alleged substandard materials have been attributed to poor manufacturing practices or the use of inferior raw materials. Critics argue that inadequate oversight in the construction supply chain has allowed such products to enter the market.

Civil society organizations have also weighed in, urging regulators to enforce stricter quality control measures. “This is a wake up call for the authorities,” said Mariama Jalloh, Executive Director of the Consumer Protection Agency. “Builders and citizens rely on these materials, and their safety must be guaranteed.”

As investigations continue, the Standards Bureau has advised contractors to suspend the use of Dingli’s iron rods until further notice. Meanwhile, construction firms are exploring alternative suppliers to prevent project delays.

Dingli Company Ltd. has denied the allegations, claiming that their products meet all regulatory standards. In a statement, the company’s spokesperson said, “We stand by the quality of our products and are fully cooperating with the investigation to clear our name.”

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the construction industry, with many contractors and engineers calling for reforms.

“This incident highlights the need for better oversight in the supply chain,” said John Bangura, a construction manager. “We cannot afford to compromise on quality, especially in a country where infrastructure development is crucial.”

The news has sparked heated debates on social media, with citizens expressing anger and concern.

“If these claims are true, Dingli has put countless lives at risk,” wrote one user on Twitter. “We need accountability now.”

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Standards Bureau and Dingli Company Ltd. The outcome will likely have far reaching implications for the construction industry and public safety in Sierra Leone.