Monrovia, Liberia – Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC), one of Liberia’s major rubber plantations, suffered significant losses due to an alleged arson attempt that damaged approximately 150 rubber trees.
The incident, which the Liberia National Police Margibi County detachment is investigating as arson, took place Tuesday night in a section of the plantation near Bondolone, a small town adjacent to the sprawling rubber estate, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and endangering both livelihoods and land.
According to authorities, two suspects of interest have already been detained for interrogation as investigations continue. The police have not revealed the suspects’ intentions, but the nature of what happened and preliminary investigations point to an accused arson attack. The suspects are Joe Bono and Abraham Kpannah.
In a statement, SRC management stated that the fire incident, which resulted in over $35,000 in damages, might have been worse if the Bondolone community had not assisted the corporate Fire Service team in bringing the blaze under control.
According to SRC management, the fire event hits at the heart of the company’s operations, as it jeopardizes the financial stability of hundreds of people who rely on SRC.
“We are devastated by this attack, which affects not only our operations but also the livelihoods of the many families who rely on SRC for income,” said Upjit Singh Sachdeva, SRC’s CEO. The degree of the damage is still being examined, but preliminary estimates put it at more than $35,000. However, the long-term implications for productivity are significant.”
“We do not know the motives behind this yet as we wait on the police investigations, but whatever it is, it is shocking and troubling, according to Sachdeva. We are, nonetheless, strengthened by the solidarity demonstrated that evening. To Bondolone’s people and our diligent team, your determination motivates us to rebuild.”
The suspected arson occurred when Sachdeva management began a series of modernization projects to enhance living and working conditions for the company’s employees and other infrastructure, including complete renovations of all elementary and secondary schools, as well as the clinic. Other improvements include increased staff salaries and the building of more than 50 new housing units for employee lodgings.
Socfin, a Belgian-French agricultural corporation, once controlled SRC, Liberia’s third-largest rubber-producing and processing enterprise with over 800 employees. However, Socfin sold the firm to Sachdeva in August 2024, citing years of financial losses and violent workers’ demonstrations in mid-June over living conditions, medical treatment for work-related injuries, and other demands as primary factors for its decision to sell.
While SRC management has yet to announce its immediate operational choices, insiders indicate the corporation is focused on studying the incident’s long-term consequences and strengthening security measures to prevent repeat attacks. The company’s short-term personnel reduction remains uncertain.
