The leadership of Association of Sand, Quarry Operators and Suppliers, Ondo State Branch has pointed out to the good people and government of the state on the need to support them as the members of the association is working hard to make life more meaningful to all residents.
While speaking with journalists his office in Akure on August 2nd, 2023, the President of the Association, Mr. Oguntayo Emmanuel noted that they will continue to make life easy for the people of the state through their business.
In his reaction to a public announcement on radio stations in Akure recently, Oguntayo Emmanuel said the allegations raised by members of Tipper Drivers in Ondo State were not true about his association.
According Mr. Emmanuel “In 2021 Drivers of Tippers told us that things were hard and we increased prices of the tonnages of Sand supply. People shouted and we were called upon by Kabiyesi the Deji of Akure and government of Ondo State and later placed ban on our activities for almost seven months before they lifted the ban.
“Government said that we should go back to our old prices we have been maintaining over 13 years ago. For 10 tonnes was sold for N3,400 while 20 tonnes sold for #6,800,00 and because of hike in the price of petrol and diesel and they have increased prices for about three times.
“the Tipper Owners have changed the prices within a year, for example, they moved the price of 10 tonnes from #20,000 to #25, 000 and to #35,000 while 20 tonnes moved from #40,000 to #50, 000 , #60,000 and #70,000 respectively.
“When they made the last increase, we told them that we are going to add token to our charges because of the challenges our members are faced with recently. We held round table meeting and they agreed and after the meeting they went on air to make public announcement that we are the ones trying to put heavy burden on the masses of Ondo State.
“We are using this medium to tell the people of the state that we are not adding to the burden of people in any way.
“When I heard the radio announcement I call called meeting with the elders of both associations and we resolve it amicably but they refused to go to farm.
“This is first time in 13 years that we are adding just #1600 to make our charges #5000 regardless the price they changed.”
He used the medium to inform ODSG to call them to order to allow things to run well in the society.
Also speaking the Secretary and Youth Chairman of the Association, Mr. Adedeji Ahmed and Alhaji Shittu Mutiu said government should remember the members of the association in the area of soft loans and grants to enable them to expand businesses.
“We have good number of graduates that are members of this association and it is because all of us can not be working as Civil Servants.
“Like government is doing for other independent group, they should not forget us in Association of Sand Quarry Operators and Suppliers Ondo State Branch.”