A fire that tore through the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) plantation in Weala, Margibi County, has kindled controversy. Allegations point to former employees as the masterminds behind the destruction.
The incident, which left large sections of the plantation in ruins, has fueled tensions between the new management and a group of ex-workers who claim they were unfairly denied past benefits.
Sources familiar with the situation allege that a meeting held on January 26, 2024, at the Weala Public School, brought together over 400 former SRC employees, led by Mary Boimah, Emmanuel Saye, Harry Nyumah, and Lawrence Gorgbor. Reports suggest that discussions centered on strategies to challenge the company’s leadership, including demands for compensation they insist remains unpaid despite the previous management settling all liabilities before selling the company.
Investigations into the fire have raised suspicions that the arson was a deliberate act of retaliation. Boimah and her associates are accused of orchestrating the attack, continuing a pattern of defiance that has seen her at the forefront of multiple protests against the company over the years. In 2018, she reportedly led demonstrations that resulted in the burning of a police station, a courthouse, and private homes in Weala and Barpolu towns. More recently, in September 2024, she was arrested in connection with another fire that led to widespread job losses at the plantation.
Concerns are mounting that Boimah and her associates are now mobilizing for another disruptive protest, which could escalate tensions and lead to further destruction. The allegations have sparked fears among current workers, many of whom worry about the impact of continued unrest on their livelihoods.
SRC, previously owned by Socfin, was acquired in August 2024 by businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, commonly known as “Jetty.” Under his leadership, the company has embarked on a series of significant reforms, including constructing over 300 modern housing units for workers, renovating schools and clinics, and extensive community outreach initiatives. The company bears no responsibility for settling past employment claims, as all obligations were resolved before the transition.
Sachdeva has emphasized that his administration remains committed to improving conditions for employees and setting a new standard for labor practices in the rubber industry. The allegations of sabotage, however, pose a serious challenge to the company’s vision, with many calling for authorities to take swift action before tensions spiral further.