By Solomon T. Gaye
The Human Resource officer at the Cocopa Rubber Plantation, Gondah Nenwah, says Executive Order 124 moratorium on unprocessed rubber is hampering the smooth running of the company.
Gondah explained that farmers are no more bringing rubber crops to the factory to buy, and that is creating hardship on the administration of the company.
“The factory doesn’t have the capacity to buy more rubber for processing to export; Executive Order 124 moratorium on unprocessed rubber is hampering the smooth running of the company, many farmers are no more in the rubber business, and we are suffering, farmers are also suffering,” HR Nenwah lamented.
Speaking on several issues affecting the rubber industry of Liberia, Gondah disclosed that Cocopa has resumed buying of rubber crops from farmers after being halted for few months for administrative reasons.
“We stopped purchasing rubber from the farmers for a month due to some financial issues affecting the company’s operation, but thank God that we are back buying rubber,” Gondah revealed.
“We are trying to settle workers’ salary arrears, pay all debts owed by the company to vendors, and have opened a new page with the workers,” Gondah added.
During the electioneering period in October of 2023, workers of the company set roadblocks on the Saclepea Highway and the entrance leading to the plantation, in demand of salary payment and arrears.
The company has in its employ over 1,135 workers, and runs a school system and a health center.
