OUAGADOUGOU – The Burkinabè Agency for Standardization, Metrology, and Quality (ABNORM) successfully intercepted 400 tons of reinforcing steel of dubious quality in a recent operation, the agency announced this Friday in Ouagadougou. The seizure, significant in scope, underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity of construction materials in the region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Director General of ABNORM, the seizure occurred during a market surveillance mission conducted by the Directorate of Quality Control (DCQ) in Ouagadougou. The operation spanned from December 26, 2023, to January 14, 2024, leading to the confiscation of reinforcing steel from four trucks. These materials, weighing over 400 tons, were sourced from national production units and wholesalers.

Mr. Somda reassured the public that the seized reinforcing steel would be returned to the factory for remelting and remanufacturing to meet appropriate standards. He emphasized the importance of public vigilance and responsibility in identifying and reporting suspicions about the quality of construction materials. “What is surprising is that it is the very people who constantly denounced the flooding of the Burkinabè market with concrete reinforcing bars of dubious quality who are themselves the main authors of these actions,” he expressed, highlighting an unexpected twist in the findings.

To facilitate public involvement in safeguarding quality standards, Mr. Somda provided toll-free numbers (80-00-11-84/85/86) for reporting suspicious products. Additionally, Dasmané Traoré, the CEO of the Consumers’ League, urged consumers to remain alert to the products they use, cautioning against exploitation by dishonest traders.

This operation by ABNORM is a critical step in preventing the risks associated with poor-quality construction materials, which have historically led to building collapses and subsequent loss of life.