By Amin Kef Sesay
On Friday 22nd May 2020 , the Management of Masada Waste Management Company (MWMC) donated food items and boxes of approved N95 disposable face masks worth over Le 40,000,000 to various small-scale waste management enterprises and other individuals in Freetown with a view to help cushion the health and economic impact of COVID-19 in the environment and sector where Masada operates.
Food items such as rice, oil, onions and Maggi seasoning cubes were distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
In full compliance with the preventive measures indicated by the health authorities to avoid direct contact with the beneficiaries the food items and face masks were placed in packages and distributed at different time intervals to avoid crowding at the scene of distribution.
The beneficiaries included small-scale waste management enterprises using tricycles in the Freetown municipality, residents of the Black Hall Road Community, waste operatives at the Granville Brook and Kingtom dumpsites respectively as well as Masada staff.
Chief Executive Officer and Proprietor of the company, Gibril Wilson and the National Project Manager and Partner, Ami Dumbuya, intimated that the company is aware of the adverse effects the COVID-19 has brought upon Sierra Leoneans which was what moved them to extend a helping hand during this crucial moment.
A key player in the waste management sector, Management of Masada is quite aware of the threats that the small-scale waste management enterprises are exposed to in their strides to earn a living whilst at the same time contributing to the improvement of sanitation in the city.
According to them the gesture is also geared towards registering the company’s resolve to work with small-scale waste management enterprises to address the waste management needs of the Freetown Municipality.
Managing Director for Leister Road Waste Management Cooperative Society, Saidu Kamara, who was among the beneficiaries, thanked the Masada Management for what he described as not only a timely but a very laudable gesture.
Saidu maintained that food and safety during this pandemic is a big challenge for them but applauded the intervention of the company saying it has helped to ease that.
Receiving the donated items, the waste management youth groups were motivated saying they are highly poised to dispense their duties with the necessary precautions that are required to safeguard them from contracting the corona virus.
Management of the company says that it believes that if the public complies with the pieces of advice churned out by the health authorities in maintaining social distancing, regular washing of hands, putting on of face masks, avoid touching the face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and covering coughs and sneezes with bent elbow, etc. the fight against this global health threat will be won.
