Before Mr. Jeety assumed ownership of SRC, the poor living conditions of SRC workers were an issue that drew criticism from numerous labor groups and rights organizations in the past.
Monrovia, December 31, 2024: The new management of Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) has commenced construction of new dwelling quarters for its workforce.
The new housing project, which the Jeety Conglomerate is undertaking, aims to be completed by the end of the year.
The initiative by business tycoon Upjit Singh Sachdeva (Mr. Jeety), who now owns SRC, marks a significant step in addressing longstanding public concerns over the poor living conditions of employees.
The poor living conditions of SRC workers were an issue that drew criticism from numerous labor groups and rights organizations in the past before Mr. Jeety assumed ownership of the company.
SRC, which employs over 900 workers and is Liberia’s third-largest rubber-producing and processing company, was previously owned by Socfin, a Belgian-French agricultural conglomerate.
Socfin cited years of financial losses and violent workers’ protests in mid-June over housing conditions, medical care for work-related injuries, and other demands as key reasons for its decision to divest its SRC operations.
However, since Mr. Sachdeva acquired SRC in August, he has embarked on modernization projects to improve the living and working conditions of the company’s workers.
He has improved other infrastructure, including completing renovations of three schools and the clinic.
Speaking on the construction of the new quarters, Mr. Sachdeva noted that the decision is a moral necessity and represents the beginning of a long-term commitment by the new SRC management to improve the dignity of its workers.
“Our workers are the backbone of this company, and they deserve to live in safe, clean, and comfortable environments,” Mr. Sachdeva said.
“Improving their living conditions is not just a business decision but a moral imperative.”
“This project is just one of many steps we are taking to transform SRC into a model of modern plantation management,” he added.
The housing project, which involves the construction of over 300 new spacious two-bedroom apartment homes, has garnered praise among workers, who emphasize that the development represents a long-overdue change.
Junior Dean and Yamah Dean, who have worked for SRC as a tapper and cup cleaners for years, expressed the workforce’s gratitude for the housing project.
They noted, “Living in the old housing units has been a challenge, but they are glad the issue is now being addressed, giving hope for a better working environment.”
Morris Fahnbulleh, a teacher, echoed these sentiments.
“It’s a relief to see progress being made. We’ve felt ignored for so long, but now it seems like the management is genuinely listening to us.”
The ongoing housing project, which has seen 50 units completed so far, will soon be distributed to the first batch of workers. The new self-contained units represent a significant improvement over the older ones—something workers have been requesting for years.
According to Mr. Sachdeva, the SRC under his management is building a future where employees feel valued, respected, and supported.
He added that the investment is driven by the belief that when workers are treated well, the company thrives.
Meanwhile, SRC and its parent company, Jeety Rubber, extended goodwill to the children of its employees and other local community members during the festive season.
Over 5,000 workers and children in Weala and various camps received gifts and essential tools, a gesture widely appreciated by the beneficiaries.
Outside the plantation and Weala, the company’s founder, Mr. Sachdeva, extended his philanthropic efforts by providing meals to inmates at the Monrovia Central Prison and the Kakata Central Prison.
At the Monrovia Central Prison and that of Kakata, a total of 1,843 inmates were fed hot cooked meals, along with beverages.
An extra 1,200 disadvantaged youth on Central Street and in Vai Town were also fed.
“We must care for not only our employees but also those who are often forgotten. Everyone deserves to feel supported, especially during the holidays,” he said.
