The Countless Story of Socfin Agricultural Company
By SEM on August 21, 2013.
Socfin Agricultural Company situated in the Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District, US$122 million investment which began operations in April 2011, makes it one of the largest agricultural investments in Sierra Leone.
According to the General Manager Philip Tonks they have planted 3, 100 Ha of hybrid oil palm in 2012 and plan to plant 4, 000 Ha in 2013 of which 2,300 Ha has been completed to date.
“Socfin has begun building the oil mill which will have a processing capacity of 30 tonnes per hour and can be upgraded to 60 tonnes per hour when required,” he said.
The mill investment is US$22 million and commissioning will be November 2014,” Philip Tonks reiterated.
Furthermore, the hardworking General Manager made it known that his company operates in 9 other countries on two continents and has developed and introduced new technologies in palm production which have been incorporated in the Sahn Malen project.
Public Relation Officer of the company Easmond Moiguah was quick to dismiss allegations that the company is grabbing land from community people.
“That’s an unfortunate statement, there are lay down principles which the company goes through to acquire land from the public, the paramount chief, sections chief, community elders are all involved in the process,” Public Relation Officer of Socfin told this medium.
“The company has given job to thousands of Sierra Leoneans from all works of life; this is what His Excellency is propagating in his Agenda for Prosperity Crusade to create more jobs for our youthful populace.”
The demeanor of workers of Socfin Agricultural Company demonstrate how workers are having a pleasant interaction with management of the company.