By Fatmata Jengbe
With a view to receive vital information or credible reports relating to instances of misuse, abuse or disposal of Government’s Property without lawful authority, the National Assets and Government’s Property Commission has on Friday 10th July, 2020 launched a ‘088′ Toll free Line across all mobile network operators in Sierra Leone. The event took place at the Commission’s conference Room at New England Ville in Freetown.
Speaking during the launch, the Chairman of the National Assets and Government’s Property Commission, Abu Hindolo Moseray disclosed that the Commission is mandated to receive and process any information relating to the misuse, abuse or disposal of Government’s Assets or Property pursuant to Section 7 (b) of the NAGPC Act (No. 2) of 1990. He added that there is no doubt that we have all witnessed instances of deliberate damage of public property by corrupt individuals and arsonists in the guise of holding demonstrations or protests.
He said even recently, they are privy to attempts by certain members of the public to exploit the prevailing State of Emergency in the fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic, to illegally acquire properties belonging to the Government of Sierra Leone in complete disregard for the NAGPC as the statutory body responsible for handling such issues.
Abu Hindolo Moseray stated that consequently, as part of efforts to fulfil that specific aspect of the mandate of the Commission, the Board and Management decided to approach the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), with a request to help establish a TOLL FREE LINE that would cut across all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Sierra Leone, for the purpose of receiving vital information or credible reports relating to instances of misuse, abuse or disposal of Government’s Property without lawful authority.
He therefore, on behalf of the NAGPC, took the singular opportunity to thank the Board, Management and Staff of NATCOM and all Mobile Network Operators for not only approving their request to establish a TOLL FREE LINE, but for also going the extra mile to make it operational.
Abu Hindolo Moseray pointed out that the operationalisation of the TOLL FREE LINE will enable them make on-the spot visits to any Government property at short notice and to initiate or follow-up on useful information from the public, with a view to institute appropriate actions against defaulters.
He assured the members of the Public of utmost confidentiality and the protection of their identity at all times.
Abu Hindolo Moseray further disclosed that in addition to the TOLL FREE LINE, they have also produced coloured stickers which will be displayed at strategic locations in Freetown and other parts of the country, and also developed a Jingle in the local parlance (Krio as part of their Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
He used the opportunity to advice the general citizenry to desist from all illegal practices bordering on Government’s property, so as to avoid falling foul with the law and also encouraged members of the Public to feel free to visit their offices whenever they are privy to any information that would help the Commission to effectively fulfil its statutory mandate.
The Board Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Saidu Will , also delivered a similar statement during the launch of the tool free line.
