By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- The new leadership of the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL) has unveiled an ambitious plan to resuscitate the ailing rubber sector in the Country.
The Rubber Planters Association of Liberia INC is a private not-for profit entity established in 1966 by an Act of the Liberian Legislature.
The Act that created the Association is coupled with its by-laws and constitution of the Association all persons and institutions engaged in natural rubber business in Liberia are members of the Association.
Moreover, the entity liaises with government in formulating policies aimed at stimulating and sustaining the natural rubber industry
In her induction speech, the new President of RPAL, Wilhemina G. Mulbah-Siaway outlined that her leadership intends to transform the sector from the age-old exportation of raw materials to a manufacturing industry.
“RPAL will lead the way into transforming the Liberian Rubber Industry to an improved vibrant industry between production and manufacturing to garner maximum benefit for Liberia,” she vowed.
“We have to revamp the Liberia Rubber industry, which we think will bring it to the level of international standard. We are planning outside of the box and this is where our mission is to play an advocacy role for maximum economic advancement for Liberia rubber farmers throughout the country.”
Speaking further, Madam Mulbah-Siaway outlined that her leadership’s goal for the next ten years, among other things, is to create manufacturing and rubber processing plants throughout the 15 counties of Liberia to produce tyres, gloves, shoes etc. and to establish an Institute of rubber research station to enhance manufacturing and building the capacity of Liberian rubber farmers.
Additionally, Madam Mulbah-Siaway, who is the first female President of RPAL vowed to facilitate the acquisition of loan for small farmers, to provide technical assistance to enhance farmers’ growth and development and attract investment partners to Liberia.
Moreover, she pledged her commitment in completing the ongoing building project of RPAL Central office in Kakata, Margibi County and integrates RPAL into a full-fledged member of the natural rubber producing country in the world.
The second turn President called on the Government of Liberia for support; noting that despite rubber playing a major role in the Liberian economy for more than 80 years, the sector is currently affected by the large-scale export of unprocessed rubber.
Madam Siaway was re-elected on February 2, 2020 in Kakata, Margibi County at the Sixth National Congress of the RPAL, which was held under theme: ‘Plant More and Add Value.’