By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

The Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of Homeland Security has under the Control of Goods (Import and Export Licence) Regulations of 2020, suspended the exportation of scrap metal with immediate effect following the increased incidences in vandalism of public infrastructure.

In a Press release dated 27th May, 2023 that we have seen and signed by Secretary for Trade and Industry, Christina Zakeyo, the Ministry of Trade says it has empirical evidence that there is growing vandalism on ESCOM, Waterboard, Telecommunication, and Transport infrastructure, and that those involved in the malpractice, sell the materials as scrap metal to fulfil their business requirements which is not inline with the agenda for development of the Malawi Government.

The statement further says the suspension which is for a period of 6 months is aiming at sanitizing scrap metal trade and that currently all licences issued before the notice stand revoked, while the issuing of new export licences has been stopped forthwith pending review.

“During the 6 months export ban of the scrap metals, the two Ministries will do the following”:Review the Second-Hand and Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 1971 and develop regulations accompanying it. Conduct fresh registration of all Second-hand and Scrap Metal Dealers which will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Homeland Security. Formulate rules and standard operating procedures for scrap metal businesses in the country. Call upon the stakeholders to take note of this development and liaise with the Malawi Police Service on the next steps to be undertaken in terms of registration which according to law will be done by the Ministry of Homeland Security through the Malawi Police,” Reads part of the Press Release.