By Francis Caulker
Malaysian palm oil giant, Sime Darby plantation in Liberia has begun the redundancy of at least hundred and fifty of its employee, due to what the company termed as ‘huge losses’ incurred over the years.
Sime Darby signed a 60 year concession agreement with the Government of Liberia in 2010 to develop palm oil in Liberia with the aim of aqiuring 220,000 hectares but only a little over 10,000 hectares of land has been developed after nearly 10 years.
The company has also stated the continuous pressure from local communities in Bomi and Cape Mount counties preventing them to expand thereby resulting to huge production cost.
Sime Darby Head of Corporate Communications officer, Samwar Fallah told Liberia Public Radio that the company has invested millions of dollars but experiencing several loses.
He added that since 2018, the company has lost over 900, 000 USD on workers within the employs who lacks basic assignment.
Fallah further intoned the redundancy is being done in good faith adding that the process is not only affecting Liberians alone but some Malaysian expatriates as well.
He indicated that at least eight of the Malaysians are part of the ongoing redundancy exercise at the plantation.
Illegal occupants
Meanwhile Sime Darby has confirmed that over 787 illegal occupant’s risks being evicted from various camps belonging to the company.
Our correspondent quotes the company communications head as saying that most of these illegal occupants have being served prior notice but have previously refused to vacate the area.
Sanwar Fallah said most of their current workers are finding it difficult to have accommodation due the presence of those illegal occupants who are not within the employs of the company.
He indicated that already writ from the magisterial court has already been served, and the company has given them up to next week to leave.
He called on the citizens of both Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties to see the investment of Sime Darby into Liberia as a means of helping to improve the economy of the country.
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