Rep. Kwagrue Raises Red Flag over Declining Steel Rod Production Quality; Wants Relevant Authorities Summoned

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Nimba County District #5 Representative Kortor Kwagrue has formally requested the Plenary of the House of Representatives to invite heads of the Ministries of Public Works and Commerce and Industry, along with local manufacturing companies, to address the growing concern about the declined quality in locally produced steel rods and related building construction materials.

In a communication addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Nagbe Koon, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Representative Kwagrue described the matter as urgent and critical, calling on fellow lawmakers to take swift legislative action.

He said the situation poses a serious threat to public safety and infrastructures across the country.

“This is a serious issue threatening the safety of our infrastructure and the economic interests of the Liberian people."

“I am therefore calling on the Plenary to invite the relevant ministers and manufacturing companies to account for the quality and specifications of construction materials currently being produced and sold in the country", he stated.

The Nimba County lawmaker disclosed that steel rods, nails, and zinc sheets manufactured locally are allegedly being produced in reduced diameters and lengths, yet sold at high costs.

He warned that such practices amount to economic exploitation and expose the public to higher risks.

“These commodities are being sold at the same standard market prices despite the clear reduction in both diameter and length,” he said. “This constitutes not only economic exploitation of the Liberian consumer but also a severe safety hazard.”

Representative Kwagrue explained that under standard engineering specifications and local construction norms, steel reinforcement bars used in Liberia are categorized by diameters ranging from 6mm to 32mm, with mandatory standard lengths.

“For instance, steel rods between 6mm and 18mm are required to be 36 feet long, while rods measuring 25mm and above must be 40 feet in length,” he explained. “Any deviation from these standards compromises structural integrity.”

Drawing on his professional background in construction, the lawmaker warned that reducing the diameter of steel reinforcement bars results in a smaller cross-sectional area, which significantly weakens load-bearing capacity.

“When the diameter is reduced, the bar cannot handle the calculated tension and compression loads,” Rep. Kwagrue cautioned. “This directly affects columns, beams, and slabs and increases the risk of structural failure.”

He described the alleged act as a form of “shrinkflation” in the construction industry and warned that if left unchecked, it could lead to severe consequences.

He furthered: “This is a dangerous trend,” he said. “People are paying full price for substandard materials, and if the Plenary does not act swiftly, the consequences could be devastating for lives and property.”

The Nimba County Lawmaker at the same time stated that summoning the relevant authorities to respond to the matter will enhance accountability in the sectors and advanced national development.

The communication has been formally submitted through the Office of the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and is now before the Plenary for consideration.