Scrap metal traders unite, launch association

Scrap metal dealers in Lilongwe on Thursday officially launched an
association to coordinate activities for the association’s members,
among others.

Named Central Region Scrap Metal Dealers (CRSMD), the association has
also been formed to help raise awareness of the dangers of looting and
vandalising property belonging to utility companies such as the Escom.

The association’s secretary general Alexander Phodogoma, said it was
high time scrap metal dealers came together to speak one voice hence
the group’s formation.

Phodogoma said the association will also strive to lobby for policy
issues that are favourable for the growth of scrap metal trade in the
country and beyond borders.

“For so long, there have been complaints of vandalizing government
property and as an association we will help to sensitise on the
dangers of such a malpractice to Malawians and on the importance to
safeguard government property,” he said.

Phodogoma said in the past, most scrap metal dealers have been
affected by adhoc ban by government on scrap metal exports and that
the establishment of the association will help spearhead consultations
with government before executing such export bans.

He said the association will also closely work with other existing
structures and institutions such as the police in curbing vandalism of
metal.

On his part, the association chairperson Duncan Kalulu said so far the
group has registered 61 members and that the idea is to have a
national association in due course.