In a major move aimed at ensuring fair trade and pricing consistency in markets across Sierra Leone, the Standards Bureau has announced the introduction of standardized measurement tools for market women selling essential commodities.
Deputy Executive Director of the Standards Bureau, Jogor Bah, made the announcement during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
The initiative, which will begin implementation in November 2024, focuses on replacing the various makeshift containers currently used to measure commodities such as rice, palm oil, sugar, and pepper with standardized cups designed to bring uniformity and fairness to market transactions.
The rollout will first target the Western Area, with plans to extend nationwide in the coming months.According to Bah, the decision was taken after comprehensive consultations with market traders and stakeholders throughout the country.
He emphasized that the use of inconsistent and non-standard measuring containers has been a long-standing issue, often leading to discrepancies in product quantities and prices, which ultimately affect both traders and consumers.
The introduction of standardized measurement tools is expected to address this, enhancing transparency and ensuring consumer protection.”We are committed to quality assurance in the marketplace,” Bah stated.
“These new measuring tools will replace the variety of containers used for selling items like cooking oil, palm oil, and other essential commodities. By standardizing these measurements, we will create a more equitable trading environment and protect consumers from unfair practices.
“Bah demonstrated the newly designed measuring cups during the press briefing and explained that the Traders Union and other market associations would play an active role in educating traders and ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
Chief Ya Alimamy T. Fofanah, Chairlady of the Congo Market, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, noting that it reflects the government’s dedication to supporting informal market sectors.
“This is a significant step for us as traders,” she said. “Having standardized measurements means fairer trade, and we, the market women, will now be better equipped to serve our customers.
Chief Ya Alimamy also lauded the recent improvements in the foreign exchange rate, which have provided relief to traders who source goods internationally.
She emphasized that the lower exchange rate has made it easier for market women to purchase goods independently, without having to pool resources with others to navigate high costs.
In addition to the rollout of standardized measurement cups, Chief Ya Alimamy called on the government to improve market infrastructure, advocating for the rehabilitation of dilapidated market spaces and the construction of new facilities that meet the required standards.
The introduction of these standardized measurement tools by the Standards Bureau is expected to promote fairness and boost confidence in Sierra Leone’s market systems, benefiting both traders and consumers alike.
