Govt urged to lift scrap metal ban

Central Region Scrap Metal Dealers Association has asked the Ministry of Trade and Industry to lift the suspension of the issuance of licences on scrap metal business.

Speaking on Saturday in Lilongwe during an inspection of some scrapyards after a meeting with stakeholders at Central West Region Police Headquarters, the association’s chairperson Patrick Jonathan said the temporary suspension of licences to export scrap material is affecting their business.

He said: “We export our products to Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda and South Africa since we don’t have a recycling market in the country.

“So, if the ban remains intact, then scrap metal will not be disposed of and recycled and this will cause pollution in the country.”

Ministry of Trade and Industry trade officer Blessings Zitta said the scrap metal sector is now organised and government will consider the plea.

He said: “We will consider the request since the industry seems organised. We have inspected the scrapyards and we are yet to see any scrap from critical infrastructure.

“We have come across smart people who do not buy stolen scraps.”

One scrap metal dealer from Biwi Township, Juliet Chiudza said it is high time government lifted the temporary ban on scrap metal export.

She said she could not pay her employees due to export barriers in the scrap market.

“I am struggling to pay my 60 employees because I am not selling scraps outside the country due to the suspension of my licence due to the scrap metal export restrictions,” said Chiudza.

Earlier, Central West Region Police held a meeting with stakeholders comprising Central Region Scrap Metal Dealers Association, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi, Malawi Telecommunications Limited, Central East African Railways and Lilongwe City Council to discuss against vandalism of accessories and metals in the city.