-- Employees and contractors alike express gratitude for restoration of hope
For decades, Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) represented both opportunity and hardship for countless Liberians. Operating since 1959, the plantation had provided work for generations, yet left many of its employees trapped in poverty. For years, workers toiled in difficult conditions, only to retire without the means to live a dignified life. The cycle of struggle bred unrest, with agitations escalating to deadly protests fueled by allegations of unpaid arrears and harsh working conditions.
Today, however, the narrative is changing. With the takeover of SRC by Jeety Rubber LLC, a subsidiary of the Jeety Conglomerate, a new chapter is being written. The company has introduced sweeping reforms aimed at uplifting the workforce and the surrounding communities. Over the weekend, a fact-finding visit to the plantation revealed a transformation in progress--one marked by tangible improvements in healthcare, education, and living standards.
A Healthcare Revolution
The first stop on the tour was the SRC Health Center, where stories of neglect once defined the institution. Under previous management, the clinic was infamous for its severe drug shortages, with patients often receiving just a strip of paracetamol for their ailments. Investigations revealed that some healthcare workers had been diverting drugs to personal clinics, exacerbating the crisis.
Now, under the leadership of Dr. Ahsan Malik, an Indian physician and acting head of the health center, the facility has undergone a dramatic turnaround. "When Jeety took over, he decided to refurbish the entire building and put systems in place to restore dignity and quality service," Malik explained. Pregnant women, who previously paid up to L$7,000 for delivery services, now pay just L$1,000, while employees, contractors, and their dependents receive free medical care.
Malik also emphasized strict hiring practices. "We no longer employ healthcare workers who own clinics or drugstores. Our focus is on serving the community, not personal interests," he said. The center, now fully staffed and operational 24/7, is set to acquire an ambulance this month to handle emergency referrals. Despite these strides, challenges remain, particularly in encouraging HIV/AIDS patients to return for regular care--a task Malik believes requires greater community awareness.
A New Era in Education
The SRC School System, established in 1959, has also undergone a remarkable transformation. Under Jeety's leadership, the school has been renovated, fenced, and equipped with modern furniture. A regular school feeding program now ensures that students receive nutritious meals, a change that has boosted both enrollment and academic performance.
"The students are provided with rice and beans, and sometimes other meals. This has made them more focused and excited about learning," said principal Cutbort Williams. He added that Jeety has offered an extraordinary incentive for excellence: any 12th grader scoring an "A" in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will receive a scholarship to study in India.
The improvements don't stop there. Running water now flows throughout the school, relieving students of the burden of fetching water from distant sources. A modern science laboratory enables hands-on learning, bringing subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics to life. According to Williams, over 1,000 students are currently enrolled, and teachers are selected through a rigorous vetting process to ensure quality education.
Empowering Tappers and Workers
At the heart of any rubber plantation are the tappers, whose labor drives production. Historically, this group endured the harshest conditions, often working long hours for meager pay. That has changed under Jeety's management.
Roland S. Johnson, head of tapping contractors for Camp #1, highlighted the improvements. "The least-paid contractor now earns nearly US$200 per month, along with a 25 kg bag of rice. Contractors and their families will soon have apartments in newly constructed housing," Johnson shared.
Cup cleaners, who previously earned just US$15 a month from tappers, now receive a monthly salary of US$85. They were also included in Christmas and New Year bonuses, receiving rice and additional cash. "This job has given us hope," said Fatu Fallah, speaking on behalf of her fellow cup cleaners.
Jeety's reforms have eradicated exploitative practices, such as managers imposing high-interest loans on workers. Today, employees and contractors express gratitude for the newfound stability and social services provided by the company, including education and healthcare for their families.
A Vision Rooted in Humanity
Although he did not participate in the formal interviews, Jeety himself was present during the tour, offering insights into his motivations. A devout follower of Sikhism, Jeety said his actions are guided by principles of love, care, and respect for humanity. "My faith teaches me to recite the name of God, work to earn an honest living, and share what I have with others," he explained.
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Jeety's vision extends beyond the plantation. He revealed plans to begin manufacturing rubber products in Liberia by July, having already invested US$6 million in purchasing raw rubber. "I want to ensure that we have enough materials to sustain production when we start manufacturing," he said.
Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time
The changes at Salala Rubber Corporation are more than cosmetic--they represent a fundamental shift in how the company values its workers and engages with the community. From healthcare to education, and fair wages to housing, Jeety's initiatives are providing employees with opportunities for a better life.
As Jeety summed up his philosophy, he emphasized that the measure of success is not in how much is spent but in the happiness it brings to others. For the workers and communities of SRC, that happiness is already palpable, marking the dawn of a brighter future.
