By: Hafsatu Z Bangura
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy has said that the country will soon start to produce oxygen and nitrogen.
He made the statement in an exclusive interview with A-Z reporter.
According to the minister, the factory will be manufacturing both medical and industrial oxygen as well as nitrogen.
He added that this development will see the country cease to import oxygen and nitrogen which in turn will impact the country’s economy.
Minister Sandy spoke about the role his ministry has been doing in supporting local industries including Sunbird in Bombali District.
“When we came in the factory that was producing ethanol, Sunbird was about to shut down but we gave them sufficient support,” he said.
He said they were able to come out with a policy and a law that was geared towards encouraging consumers to purchase locally produced alcohol.
Minister Sandy also referenced Government’s support in resuscitating the Sierra Leone Flour Mill that was about to close.
Despite the resurgence of some local industries in the West African nation, its economy continue to face challenges to skyrocketing inflation precipitated by the depreciation of the Leone against the Dollar.
But Minister Sandy said the expectations of Sierra Leoneans are high and as a result they are not feeling or unappreciative of government’s efforts.
He said inflation is everywhere and Sierra Leone is not an exception.
He specifically referenced neighboring countries like Ghana, Liberia and The Gambia which he said are also experiencing inflation.
The minister refuted comparison with Guinea’s economy while stressing that the neighboring country has one of the biggest investment in the sub-region.
“Guinea’s economy is not that flamboyant but Guinea has huge investments; in fact, Guinea is now the biggest miner of iron ore”, he said.
He noted that the next door neighbor also has it challenges and that Guinean locals now purchase goods in Sierra Leone.
He said they are looking at policy options to ensure that they will be able to curb inflation despite its being a global phenomenon.
“As Policy makers we are looking at options,” he ended.