LIBERIA: Recycled Water Bags Dealer Breaks Silence
By: WASH R&E Network – A Liberian Business woman has clarified that she is not hired by Liberty Investments Limited, known as aQuaLife, to collect empty bags of mineral water for recycling purposes as been reported in the local media.
Madam Salem Konneh(right) with her colleague, Madam Matinkey Dolleh
Madam Salem Konneh disclosed that the bags been collected, are sent to Guinea for the production of rubber materials such as plastic tubs, buckets and cups amongst others. She disclosed that used plastic bags are freely given her by water companies and other residents in various communities.
Madam Konneh termed as false and misleading recent media reports insinuating that she was fronting for aQuaLife in collecting and recycling used plastic bags for the sale of water.
Madame Konneh who is commonly known as ‘Save the children mother’ in her Jacob town-Rehab Road Community, explained that she collects used plastics of all kinds including empty water bags from all other mineral water companies in and around Monrovia.
According to her, community residents and others are simply helping her with the empty used plastic bags as part of her own business transaction.
She further urged her detractors saying, “please don’t spoil their business….the other time some men came and say they will arrest me for collecting and sending empty plastic bags to Guinea….And so I want government to help protect me and the other people business too…”.
Madame Konneh urged individuals involve in spreading falsehood to desist, because it poses threat to her business and water companies in the country.
The Liberian Business woman further alleged that due to the propaganda, she has been constantly harassed and intimidated by security officers and other citizens in the country.
Madam Konneh said she is a widow and got involved in the business to sustain her children and family.
Amidst reports by some local dailies that aQuaLife is using recycled plastic bags for the sale of drinking water, Madam Konneh whom alone with colleague, Madam Matinkey Dolleh visited the Offices of the WASH Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia on Carey Street-Monrovia, clarified that she is involved in the collection of plastic for exportation in the interest of fair business practice.
Madam Salem Konneh said the plastic she collects is sent to Guinea for the production of rubber materials like rubber buckets, tubs and wash boards, among others.
