Ministry of Trade Hosts Ease of Doing Business Legislative Reform Webinar Series

October 14, 2020

Minister of Trade and Industry, Hinga Sandy

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Ministry of Trade and Industry in partnership with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Ministry of Justice have commenced a 3 days Legislative Webinar Series on the 12^th October, 2020 which will end on the 14th October 2020. Moderator of the Day-1 event was moderated by the Director and Chief Officer Michala Mackay.

This important event is part of the Trade Ministry’s commitment to drive policy reforms in order to improve Government service delivery and ultimately Sierra Leone’s ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hinga Sandy, informed participants and the audience that the World Bank undertook a diagnostic study in areas relating to business environment reforms noting that the study resulted in the development of a comprehensive Doing a Business Roadmap for Sierra Leone which was launched by the World Bank in November 2019. He furthered how they took stock of current reforms, those in progress and proffered recommendations in various areas covered by the Doing Business Report.

According to him, the report is a living document which could be updated from time to time according to progresses made by the country.

The Minister disclosed that the outcome of the three day workshop will complement the recommendations of the Doing Business Report Roadmap.

He particularly commended the Minister of Finance and World Bank Directors for facilitating a World Bank Grant of $40 Million from the International Development Association (IDA) to support business environment reforms, investments and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“The Project will facilitate business formalization, by improving the processes of business registration, licensing and permitting. This will be achieved by reviews and reforms of regulations and laws to streamline these processes, digitalization of forms, procedures and information, implementation of user-friendly interfaces, training of Government personnel to effectively use streamlined processes, and communication campaigns to inform the target audience and its benefits,” he maintained.

Hinga Sandy intimated that his Ministry had and is still putting measures and modalities in place to ensure that the business environment is sanitized with optimal benefits in line with the New Direction development agenda.

He ended up by congratulating the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) for putting together the electronic platform as well as other inputs. He promised that the recommendations that would be made will be implemented to the letter.

Madam Saffie Deen-Tarawally , the Director of Policy and Doing Business Coordinator in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in giving a synopsis of the status quo of doing business in Sierra Leone stated that the IFC/World Bank Doing Business Reforms project was established by the World Bank in 2002, as a flagship project that measures the ease of doing business in 190 countries/ economies in the world, for private sector development further revealing that Sierra Leone joined the project in 2005.

According to the Doing Business Coordinator, the project looks at domestic small and medium-size companies and measures the regulations applying to them adding how it is a project where growth opportunities for local businesses are compared and measured annually amongst economies worldwide.

“The Doing Business Reforms project is an integral part of Government’s commitment in the New Direction and the Medium Term National Development Plan, to improving Sierra Leone’s business environment,” Madam Saffie Deen-Tarawally highlighted and furthered how the Ministry of Trade and Industry which is responsible for Private Sector Development is responsible for coordinating the Reforms carried out by MDAs and report to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

In terms of the indicator that has to do with construction permits she said that indicator tracks the procedures, cost and time to build a warehouse- including obtaining the licenses and permits, submitting all required documents, requesting and receiving all necessary inspections and obtaining utility connections.

In addition, she continued, the Dealing with Construction Permits indicator measures the building quality control index, evaluating the quality of building regulations, the strength of quality control and safety mechanisms, liability and insurance regimes and professional certification requirements.

Dilating on the challenges connected to the aforementioned indicator, the eloquent and charismatic Director of Policy mentioned: the need to streamline the current water connections at the Guma Valley Water Company saying that has been a big challenge for the indicator, as the World Bank records that it takes 90 days to get water connection in Sierra Leone.

She called for building laws and regulations which she said they would be looking at under the Diversification Project revealing that there already a draft Building Code.

“The Ministry of Lands needs to formulate a new Housing Policy,” she suggested adding that the coordination process within the departments in the Ministry of Lands involved in the permitting process should be improved for the speedy issuance of Permits.

She informed how an electronic single window and online approvals will be implemented under the Diversification Project.

“I want to suggest that in the review of the required legislation, let us include statutory time limits for the signing of Survey Plans and with penalties,” she averred.

The Doing Business Coordinator stated that the Registering Property indicator examines the steps, time and cost involved in registering property, assuming a standardized case of an entrepreneur who wants to purchase land and a building that is already registered and free of title dispute. She added that the indicator also measures the quality of the land administration system in each economy.

In terms of the Getting Credit indicator, she said it covers two sets of issues- the strength of credit reporting systems, which is the Credit Reference Bureau and the strength of legal rights which is the Collateral Registry.

“With the Credit Reference Bureau, we are stuck as we are still not able to populate the database due to the lack of a Single biometric identifier but much progress has been made to the Collateral Registry. There is a new Borrowers and Lenders Act 2019 which caters for both movable and immovable Assets. We are in the process of recruiting a Consultant to draft the Regulations, upon which we will upgrade the Collateral Registry,” she continued.

She said the Starting Business indicator measures the number of procedures, cost and time for a small to medium- sized limited liability company to start up and formally operate in Sierra Leone.

According to her this country is ranked 58 from 190 economies adding that the Indicator will be further improved under the Economic Diversification Project.

“Procedures required to register all types of businesses will be streamlined and automated, all permits, licenses and approvals needed for business operation, leading to a One Stop Shop and an online payment system will be introduced,” she optimistically asserted.

She pointed out how the Freetown City Council will also be on the platform as they intend to capture all small businesses registered with the Council.

“UNCTAD is to conduct a feasibility assessment of a Single Window for business creation and licensing. They will also assess the digital preparedness and identify the potential challenges to the deployment of an eGovernment system in Sierra Leone,” she furthered.

Madam Saffie Deen-Tarawally stated that the Doing Business Technical Team has already started working on the Legislative reviews of some of their business legislations

“Terms of References have been developed and submitted by some institutions which have already been forwarded to the World Bank. The outcome of this 3 day virtual workshop will be submitted as an addendum to what we have already done,” she stated.

Another high profile personality who spoke on Day 1 was the Minister of Finance, Hon. Jacob Jusu Saffa whom in his statement outlined the Government’s commitment to make the country a place where businesses could be established with ease. He lamented the COVID-19 affected various businesses in the country maintaining that Government is putting more premium on economic diversification as encapsulated in the Medium Term National Development Plan. According to him several reforms are ongoing in that direction and one of them has to do with doing business.

On her part, the World Bank Country Representative, Gayle Martin said they have been raking countries for many years now with regard Ease of Doing Business. She maintained that setting the environment of doing business cannot be achieved by only one institution or entity but rather it is multi-dimensional as other relevant stakeholders must play their roles. According to her setting the environment right for doing business is a work in progress but acknowledged that changes are taking place in the right direction. She disclosed that a country’s ranking depends on not only what a country is doing but rather what others are also doing. “If others are moving in a fast direction then it means you will be in the same position,” the World Bank Country Representative stated.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Brewah assured all that his Ministry will be reviewing all existing laws relating to Doing Business in the country and will ensure that they are investor friendly. He maintained that it is important to uphold the rule of law and deliver justice in a timely manner in order set the right environment of establishing businesses in the country.

Earlier, the Minister of Trade of Rwanda shared her country’s experience of easing the process of doing business laying premium on workable legislations and embarking on sustainable production of manufactured goods.

Before launching the three day Ease of Doing Business Legislative Reform Webinar Series, the Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, stated that having the right business environment is vital to attracting private sector investment underscoring how private sector investment is key to increase revenue and create jobs. He dilated on the history of State collapse and development finance maintaining that in contemporary times countries have the responsibility to chart the path for development.

“Sierra Leone is not the birthplace of Prophet Mohamed or Jesus Christ where miracles are expected in terms of economic growth. We have to set the stage right for investors to become attracted,” the Vice President enjoined adding that legislative reforms are significant to make Sierra Leone a competitive investment hub.

On Day 2 of the event, the 13^th October 2020, which was moderated by Chuku Chikezie, the topic that was exhaustively discussed by all the panellists was “Getting Credit”. Those who contributed include Christopher Forster of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Philip Bangura of the Credit Reference Bureau of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Ndeye Koroma of the Millennium Challenge Coordinating Unit and Marie Bob Kandeh of the Market Women’s Association

In Post-EU Beach Clean Event… Tourist Board GM Calls for Environmental Protection

October 14, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

In an exclusive interview with the General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Abe-Osagie, in the post European Union Beach Clean Event which was held on the 10^th October 2020, she started by stating that seaweed, waste disposal and dumping have all contributed in making the country’s beaches less attractive and uninhabitable.

She lamented that in Sierra Leone the negative attitudes of certain citizens in terms of dumping of waste around the coast line has become very alarming and irresponsible.

Madam Abe-Osagie maintained that individuals use the beaches for recreation as well as entertainment but woefully fail to clean up their waste adding how such behaviours result to environmental degradation.
“From time to time Government spends huge sums of money on beach cleaning supported by donors and partners. Quite recently Government employed 300 beach workers but that is not even enough as we have so many beaches across the country,” she underscored.

“We must desist from this attitude and behave more responsibly to protect our environment,” she appealed using this media platform to reach out to members of the public and thanked all the other stakeholders, with particular reference to the UNDP for its support over the years and for donating to them a tractor, a barber for beach cleaning as well as the European Union for taking the lead in cleaning the beach.

It could be recalled that it was all fun and serious business along the Lumley to Aberdeen beach in Freetown on the October 10, 2020 as the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone with partners brought together individuals from various walks of life to participate in the traditional annual beach cleaning exercise.

The cleaning exercise formed part of the European Union’s Climate Diplomacy Weeks geared towards raising awareness on mankind’s responsibility to the environment including the beaches, oceans and planet earth as a whole.

The exercise was jointly organised with local partners, including the National Tourist Board (NTB), Shout Climate Change Africa (SCCA), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Sierra Leone School Green Club.

Those who volunteered and other invitees assembled to clean at the five different locations along the approximately 5-kilometres-long Aberdeen to Lumley beach with strict compliance to Government COVID-19 regulations particularly compulsory use of face masks, social distancing among others.

Also present were the US Ambassador, Maria Brewer, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nabela Tunis, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr Abass C. Bundu, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Mayor of Freetown, Madam Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, Leader of the Opposition APC, Chernor M. Bah, Coalition for Change (C4C) MP, Hon. Sahr Emerson Lamina and a host of other high profile personalities.

Ambassador Tom Vens, EU Head of Delegation, in his statement said, “Climate change and environmental degradation are one of the biggest long-term challenges we face. While with COVID-19 the immediate priority has been on addressing the short-term health, economic and social crisis, we are presented both with the opportunity and obligation to tackle these challenges and to “build back better”, not least in terms of combating climate change and protecting the environment more effectively.”

According to him, the beach cleaning exercise was undertaken in order to encourage positive global action and effective collaboration on climate change issues. He added that the event is usually organised between June and September but was postponed to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic noting, “yes, we need to clean the beach but we also take protection against COVID-19 seriously.”

He said the beach clean event is to highlight that the Ocean starts with you; the EU global slogan for this year, maintaining that every little action matters when it comes to avoiding pollution on the beach but also everywhere else in the daily lives of peoples either at home, on the streets or in the offices.

The Head of EU Delegation underscored that people could make a difference by caring for the environment and not throwing away garbage, noting that the message needs to be taken home by all volunteers, Government representatives, journalists and students present.

“Lamentably, 60% to 80% of all marine litter is due to plastic waste and plastic pollution causes permanent damage to the environment because plastic is a persistent material, with a long term ecological and economic effects,” he highlighted.

The Ambassador revealed how the EU would host another dedicated event about the environment this week that will focus particularly on tackling single use plastic pollution.

He furthered how in the past weeks they have asked a number of entrepreneurs and students how they would replace single use plastic in Sierra Leone, stating that the ideas of the three best submissions will be assessed and the winner with the best ideas will be subsequently announced.

Vens said, the EU funded sustainable waste management project that the Freetown City Council (FCC)is implementing will hugely contribute to tacking waste management in and also help address the emerging social problems of youth unemployment in Freetown.

“Today is about green activism and spreading awareness on our responsibility for greener actions. The EU strives for a greener planet on many different levels, both within and outside its borders,” he said.

The highpoint of the beach cleaning event was the donation of several cleaning equipment to the National Tourist Board through the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dr. Memunatu Pratt.

Guma DMD Reveals 1.6 Million Residents to Benefit from WASHERP/Aquatic Project

October 14, 2020

Deputy Managing Director of Guma Valley Water Company and Project Coordinator of the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHERP/Aquatic),Ing. Francis Lahai

By Amin Kef Sesay

On a positive and very optimistic note Ing. Francis Lahai, who happens to be the Deputy Managing Director of Guma Valley Water Company and Project Coordinator of the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHERP/Aquatic), intimated this medium that about 1.6 million people residing in the Western Area will benefit from the project after it could have been completed.

He disclosed this during a presentation at the inaugural meeting of the Project Steering Committee on Friday 2nd October, 2020 at the Golden Tulip Hotel at Aberdeen.

That meeting brought together stakeholders, including the Project Steering Committee (PSC), the Project Coordinating Unit (PCU) and the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) and it was convened in order to establish long-term goals of the projects as well as to discuss the challenges that have been envisaged.

Presenting a synopsis of the project, Mr. Lahai said Freetown experienced a severe drought and water shortage in 2016 which moved DFID/UKAID to step in with the Freetown Water Supply Rehabilitation Project in 2017 furthering how some of the works packages in that project had to be detached due to the fact that the required funds exceeded the available funds.

The Guma DMD informed that the WASHERP/Aquatic project was born in 2018 with support from the African Development Bank and 8 other International Development Partners (Kuwait Fund, Islamic Development Bank, Adaption Fund, Green Climate Fund, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Saudi Fund, OPEC Fund for International Development, ECOWAS Bank) to develop 10 new smaller water sources at Kaningo, Angola Town, Baoma, Mongeba, Hamilton and other communities along the Western Area Peninsular to augment the Mile 13 supply.

The WASHERP/Aquatic Project Coordinator said the overall objective of the project is to improve the water supply by 15% and sanitation services by 7% while ensuring the sustainability of the vital aquatic ecosystem in the Western Area by laying about 250km of distribution pipe works, build new storage facilities, rehabilitate about 10 existing reservoirs, Weirs and Booster station including generators.

Mr. Lahai said the project will also seek to improve solid and liquid waste collection, treatment and disposal services; provide infrastructure and enhance capacity for the effective protection of the Western Area Protected Forest/Water-shed and promote good sanitation, hygiene and child nutrition practices of the primary beneficiaries (women and girls) while facilitating their gainful participation in the improvement of WASH services.

“The interventions will enable sustainable access to safely managed water supply and improved sanitation for at least 1 million residents of Greater Freetown, including opportunities for prosperity for about 600,000 people living among communities that are vulnerable to climate shocks”, according to Mr. Lahai.

The Project Coordinator also highlighted some of the emerging challenges that the Project Steering Committee will have to work on; and these include Land Access, Encroachment, Right of Way, Resettlement of Project Affected Persons, Universal Metering, Tariffing, Loan Repayment and Disbursement of Counterpart Funding by the Government of Sierra Leone.

NP-SL is a Culmination of Brilliant Business Initiatives

October 14, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

In this country, the most outstanding and widely recognized petroleum entity that is doing well within the business landscape of this country is indisputably the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). The company has gained both internal and international recognition for its efficient service delivery to its many esteemed customers. It is therefore no big surprise for the well-established company to be bagging commendations, accolades and awards from reputable institutions in and out of the country.

One thing which has made NP-SL Ltd to stand tall among other entities hinges on putting premium on effective customer care delivery. The company is highly distinguished for being 1^st for Customer Care, as it strives to give optimal satisfaction to its esteemed customers right across the country. In all its petroleum transactions the company does so transparently as it has modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations which are highly capable of pumping and displaying the exact quantity of fuel demanded for, be it petrol or diesel, as well as the price. This gives buyers the feeling that they are not cheated when purchasing fuel.

In the same direction, the company has good, up and running tanker vehicles which transport fuel from the fuel depot to the various Filling Stations everywhere in the country. Maintenance is always done on these vehicles to ensure that they are road worthy; something which the Management of the company takes very serious. The importance of regularly doing so is to really ensure that petroleum products are timely delivered to various parts of the country in order to prevent the occurrence of any form of shortage that may affect daily activities and lives.

A company that was established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans years back, it was made a laid down policy by the Shareholders and Management of the company that special preference must be given to indigenes who have the requisite qualifications in terms of job opportunities. Interestingly, this decision is in tandem with the country’s Local Content Policy which aims at making use of our local resources, both human and material, instead of depending on external resources. This has made it possible for indigenes, who were hitherto unemployed, to now be gainfully employed and be at vantage positions to take care of individual responsibilities. With all amount of justification it could be said that NP-SL is a very caring business entity.

The company has set the pace of expanding its operations in the West African sub-region by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Gambia where they are effectively marketing petroleum products. By doing so it is providing job opportunities for locals in those countries and by extension regularly paying taxes to the Governments of those countries which are used to fund different development projects.

This bold step undertaken by the company is a mark of a company a serious entity that is taking business to a higher pedestal.

NP-SL is very notable for making available NP Smart Card and introducing NP Gas. In this modern age when efforts are being made to operate cashless societies and going digital there is no other moment than this when transactions in petroleum products should not follow suit. With the NP Smart Card, a particular customer could purchase fuel via using the card, just stating the quantity required which is debited from the amount in the card. The customer can credit it again in order to make future purchases.

The biggest advantage is that a customer can properly schedule or budget for the amount of fuel he or she will need over time, meaning that he or she has saved the headache of having to raise cash for the sole purpose of fuelling his or her vehicle. Using the card makes it less time consuming to buy fuel and prevents the movement of physical cash which maybe a customer could use for another emerging need or the cash could be stolen. NP Smart Card is now trending and many are now going for it.

With NP Gas, the cooking needs of individuals are easily solved as it is quick in terms of performance as a cooker. Environmentalists have validated its safety in terms of less emission of dangerous gases and it is manufactured in different cylinder sizes, very portable and easily refilled by purchasing gas at the company’s Filling Stations or its authorized dealers.

With all amount of justification, NP-SL is a thriving company among the myriad challenges it is surmounting. The company is indeed a true development partner that is positively contributing to the socio-economic development of individuals, entities and the country as a whole.

As Voting for Housemates Salone Continues… Quarantine Drama Starts Today

October 14, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The voting process for twenty (20) successful Housemates out the Fifty-Two (52) that went through audition will continue until Sunday 18^th October 2020 to finally get the targeted number of participants, twenty (20) who will take it from that point to the end albeit evictions along the way.

On the 14^th October 2020, today, the Fifty-Two shortlisted participants will start taking part in a Quarantine Drama that will last up to the 18^th October 2020 when the ultimate Twenty Housemates will finally emerge.

The voting process is simple: To vote for your favourite contestant just send his or her respective number via SMS to 5500 or dial *5500#. For Diaspora Voting supporters of the respective contestants can call +232 99 00 5500.

For now all the fifty two (52) top applicants or contestants that made it during the audition have unique numbers. It is their unique or respective numbers that should be sent via text message (SMS) to 5500 or by dialling *5500#.

Presently, these ambitious contestants are desperately trying to garner support from the public by lobbying, using various platforms such as AYV Television and the social media to woo members of the public to cast their votes for them. The ways and manner in which they are doing so is quite interesting.

Indeed, the moment is here and the stage is now set for another fun time which many, in different parts of the country and overseas, have indeed be eagerly waiting for. Time, they say, flies!

The organizers of the Reality TV Show, AYV and Africell, have ensured that all the necessary preparations have been put in place to bring exciting episodes from this entertainment show.

Although the successful Housemates gave various reasons why they decided to participate in the show, however, presumably, one of the main driving forces that could have influenced these young people to participate in the contest may largely be attributed to the dream of emerging as the ultimate winner to bag the Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) star prize and undertake a round trip to Dubai as planned by the organizers of the event, Africell and AYV Media Empire.

But one striking thing about how the event is planned is that each of the Housemates will earn One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000) for each day spent in the House and the accumulative sum handed over to him or her when evicted from the House as the show progresses.

When once they are in the House the Housemates are expected to appear sexy and display some form of nudity.

Again, if sometimes they talk harshly then it is because they are to intermittently use strong language and act funnily as the expectation is for them to of be humorous. Manifestation of these traits is what will really make the Reality TV Show very interesting to watch, providing some form of comic relief for viewers and serving as a therapy to reduce stresses.
Organisers of the event, Africa Young Voices (AYV) and Africell are very enthusiast to enhance youth empowerment in the country and Housemates Salone is one platform that will provide that for the young competitors.

The main rationale behind putting together Housemates Salone Season 2 is to promote youth empowerment

The Housemates will be assigned various tasks to perform that could shape their characters, they will be availed the opportunity to learn new skills, improve on existing ones. They will also be emotionally tested, afforded the space to find panacea to certain human problems and do a host of other things.

Furthermore, the Housemates will benefit from widespread exposure as the Show will be watched near and far. Talents will be spotted and vistas of opportunities could be opened as some of the Housemates would be earmarked to become Brand Ambassadors, movie artists, models etc.

The Housemates stand to benefit from motivational lectures and added to that they will be availed the opportunity to socialize, learn how to play different games, how to speak fluently etc. With all these it will definitely transform the Housemates from what their characters were before they entered the House.

But financially empowering these Housemates is one of the most important channels of making them relevant in society. Each day spent in the House will earn a Housemate Le100, 000. The winner will bag Le250, 000,000 and he or she is expected to champion a key project that could positively impact the lives of young people in this country.

It is an open secret that since its inception the African Young Voices (AYV) has been providing opportunities for young people to have their voices heard, to learn new skills and meaningfully contribute to overall national development.
This youth empowerment drive is one of the cardinal objectives of this renowned media empire and it has been successfully rolling it out.

On the part of Africell, the telecommunications service providers had been supporting various entertainment activities and even young artists in the country with the avowed aim of catching them young and as well contribute to enable young people to realise their full potentials and bring them out.

As it is going to be an interesting and widely watched Reality TV Show on AYV TV Channel 34, Housemates Salone will also provide a marketing platform for many corporate and business institutions such as Banks, business houses, entertainment entities etc, who are effectively making use of the channel to advertise their products and services.

As advertisement is key to marketing through this means provided by Housemates Salone these business entities are presently reaching out to the wider public.
The competition is going to be keen, especially after Sierra Leoneans have enjoyed a successful Season1 and saw the handing over of the star prize to the eventual winner.

Once the show commences on the 14^th October 2020 it will be streamed live online at Africa Young Voices Media Empire Facebook page, AYV entertainment TV, Africell Sierra Leone Facebook page and on website at www.ayvnews.com.

Housemates Salone Season 2, from all indications, will turn out to be a very interesting and tantalizing show as the episodes unfold until the event culminates into the Grand Finale. Don’t miss out. Make a date with Housemates Salone, the Quarantine Drama.

As HADISSA SL Limited Poised to Hand Over More… First Lady Commissions Modern Borehole in Koidu City

October 14, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

In what many have described as a laudable venture in terms of enhancing Water and Sanitation facilities in different parts of the country, the indefatigable First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Jabbie Bio has commissioned some boreholes as part of the 100 boreholes project undertaken by the Bio Government in making pure and clean drinking water accessible to Sierra Leoneans nationwide.

During the commissioning and handing over ceremony of the solar panel borehole in Kono District, President Julius Maada Bio was highly commended for entrusting the project of such nature in the hands of a local contractor Issa Sanu Barrie who happens to be the Chief Executive Officer of an indigenous company known as Hadissa SL Limited.

Hadissa SL Limited was disclosed as an indigenous company that specializes in the construction of modern system boreholes with solar panels.

The commissioning and handing over ceremony of the solar panel borehole took place on the 11^th October,2020 at the complex of the Ansarul Islamic Primary School in Koidu City.

The aforementioned school was where the current First Lady, Madam Fatima Jabbie Bio, started her primary education and this development was categorised as part of her commitment and effort in give back to the school.

What came out clearly during the occasion was that the First Lady had earlier made a promise to ensure that the school be availed with a borehole which will make it easier for pupils to access pure and clean drinking water. She kept to her promise. That unflinching actualization of her promise was re-echoed by different speakers who in their presentations bestowed the honour to President Julius Maada Bio and his wife. They maintained that if only other influential personalities could follow suit then such will help greatly in minimizing poverty.

The shower of commendations did not only go to the President and First Lady as the Minister of Water Resources, Hon. P .K Lansana was also recognized for his tremendous work as well as his experience in the water sector.

The project’s supervising agency, SALWACO, also bagged thumps up as the implementing agency of the Ministry of Water Resources.

Delivering a short address, the CEO of Hadissa SL Limited expressed thanks and appreciation to President Bio and his Government for giving him the opportunity to serve his country.

‘‘I want to start by thanking Almighty Allah for making it very possible for me to stand in the presence of our country’s most admirable First Lady ever to deliver a statement on behalf of my company’s execution of an excellent job right in my birthplace place .

I feel very blessed again today to witness the commissioning of an accomplished job by two of our country’s greatest personalities, first at Gbenseh market by our Hon Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh and now here at Ansarul Islamic Primary School where I started Class 1 by Her Excellency the First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio.

I also want to extend my greatest gratitude to the MWR, under the leadership of his Excellency, for entrusting my company to pre-finance this project and the Minister’s continued support in redirecting this project to its implementing agency, SALWACO. Under their professional supervision I can proudly boast that my company is fully ready to hand over all 100 completed solar panels borehole against December 2020.

Her Excellency, the system you are about to commission today is a borehole system powered by a solar submersible, pumping into a 20,000 litres storage tank with 15 stand posts supplying up to one mile radius with pure drinkable water.

Inshaa Allah, this is one of the many that my company is in readiness to hand over to the SALWACO in the next day’s/weeks in all 14 districts including 11 more in Kono district.

Madam First Lady, may, I also applaud His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for his Government’s commitment for supporting the Local Content Policy.

On behalf of my company Hadissa SL Limited, I want to thank you Madam Fatima Bio and assure you that the availability of pure drinkable water you promised to this community is now ready.

I pray that Almighty Allah continue to look after you and your husband His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio”.

“No Child Left Behind Initiative” Donates 3,000 Face Masks to Pupils in Makeni

October 14, 2020

Vice President of No Child Left Behind Initiative, Deborah Forbie distributing the face masks to pupils

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to complement the efforts of the Government to reach out to communities with preventive messages against the coronavirus, No Child Left Behind Initiative, in collaboration with Jennifer Thompson Foundation, has on Monday 12^th October, 2020 embarked on a coronavirus sensitization drive by highlighting the causes and prevention of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and distribution of 3,000 face masks to pupils of Our Lady Fatima Primary School, St. Joseph Primary School, and the Regional Government Hospital, Makama in Makeni.

In her address, Vice President of No Child Left Behind Initiative, Deborah Forbie, disclosed that theirs is an organization that has been working for the development and welfare of children in the country. She stated how its members thought it fit to undertake the aforementioned donation of these face masks to pupils of Makeni in order to complement the efforts of Government in the fight against COVID-19 by breaking the chain of transmission in the country.

She said they decided to donate the face masks in order to support the children with the strong belief that the donated face masks will help them greatly in protecting themselves from contacting the virus.

She noted that handing washing, social distancing and the use of facial masks are very important towards curtailing the spread of the virus in the country.

In that regard she urged them to make good use of the facemasks further admonishing them to adhere to all the precautionary measures that the Government and its partners have put in place also underscoring that it is only when strict adherence is maintained that we could stay safe and together combat COVID-19 in the country.

She expressed gratitude to Mrs. Jennifer Adeshola Thompson, who happens to be the forerunner of the organization saying she has been working enormously in order to support less privileged children across the country.

Team Lead, No child Left Behind Initiative-Makeni, Mamie K. Kamara also took the opportunity to educate the children on the causes and prevention of COVID-19.

She encouraged them to strictly practice the process of hand washing, social distance and regular use of face masks as such will help to keep them alive and protect them from contracting the coronavirus.

Mamie also encouraged them to use the facemasks in order to prevent themselves and their families from contracting COVID-19 and also take heed of all the preventive measures which they have demonstrated to them in order to curtail the spared of COVID-19.

Head Teacher, Our Lady Fatima Primary School Makeni, Mrs Rita F. Conteh expressed appreciation to members of the No Child Left Behind Initiative for taking the coronavirus awareness campaign to their children saying it is timely. She noted that as a school they have been educating their pupils on COVID-19 prevention in order to keep them safe.

Head Teacher, St. Joseph Cluny Primary School Makeni, Edna Marie Kamara also showered praises on the organization and the Jennifer Thompson Foundation for the gesture which she described as not only important but a very timely intervention towards the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

She admonished the pupils to observe the necessary personal hygiene messages that have been explained to them and to adhere to the directives of the Government. She also appealed to them to follow the process of hand washing demonstrated to them as such will help to keep them alive and protect them from contracting the coronavirus.

Noretta Kamara, a pupil of St. Joseph Primary School, expressed delight for the inspirational and encouraging messages about the consequences of contracting the coronavirus and the importance of the use of face masks and frequent hand washing further urging her friends to make good use of the messages.

Vice President of No Child Left Behind Initiative, Deborah Forbie & Team Lead, No child Left Behind Initiative-Makeni, Mamie K. Kamara in a picture pose with pupils

Cross Section of Beneficiaries of Our Lady Fatima Primary School

Vice President of No Child Left Behind Initiative, Deborah Forbie distributing the face masks to a pupil of St. Joseph Primary School

With Le3 Billion Including 5 Cars at Stake… Orange Money Launches “ Shorki Love” Promotion

October 14, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of its efforts to continue to put smiles on the faces of its valued and esteemed customers across the country one of the leading GSM Mobile Operators, Orange Money has on Tuesday 13th October, 2020 launched the “Orange Money Shorki Love” promotion which offers 3 Billion Leones including Brand New Cars to be won. This new package is part of the company’s end of year promotion which was disclosed at an event held at its Bo District Office.

Chief Executive Officer Orange-Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane, expressed appreciation to the company’s Field Service Agents (FSAs) for the tremendous work they have been doing in Bo which she said has contributed to the growth of the company’s subscriber base to 2.5 million subscribers, adding that they are very happy as a company to know that, as Agents, they have committed themselves that by December 2020 the customer base will expand to three million.

She added that COVID-19 has created situations that have been hard for most of them enjoining all to pray for those whom have lost their lives during this hard time.

The Orange CEO pointed out that they are the number one telecommunication company in the country taking the lead in the telecommunications market and since it is three months to the end of the year they want to ensure that they achieve their target of reaching 3 million subscribers at the end of the year, 2020.

According to the eloquent and result-oriented Chief Executive Officer, Orange cares for its subscribers and very determined to change their lives and give them improved standards of living.

“It against such a backdrop that the company decided to launch such a promotion with the strongly belief that it will be helpful at a moment like this in the country,” she warmly disclosed and encouraged subscribers to grab this opportunity to conduct transactions using Orange Money which will qualify them to win the aforementioned attractive cash and car prizes.

On his part, Chief Executive Office, Orange Money-SL, David S. Mansaray, said that as a company they are very happy to launch such a promotion which he maintained will put smiles on the faces of their valued customers across the country.

He said that the promotion is geared towards making their Orange Money customers happy, richer and above all empowered as they will have the chance to win 3 Billion Leones worth of prizes on a daily and weekly basis and a grand prize of 5 Brand New Cars to be won at the end of the promotion. David intimated that this is a huge promotion which has never happened in the history of any mobile Money company in the country.

David Mansaray said they are doing the symbolic launching in Bo but however the promotion is a nationwide promotion as the teams will also be visiting other districts, adding that every Sierra Leonean is eligible and hence he or she is using Orange Money the individual stands a chance to win.

He said to participate in this amazing promotion as a subscriber a person must be registered to Orange Money that has sent money or cash during a minimum transaction period either paying for EDSA , DSTV or for purchasing airtime or data bundles.

He furthered that to qualify for the “Orange Money Shorki Love” promotion subscribers need to conduct transactions using Orange Money like sending money, cashing in, paying for EDSA or DSTV, buy airtime or data bundles from 15th October to January 2020 which will put them at vantage positions to get a chance to win those attractive prizes.

Head of Strategies, Marketing & Partnership, Orange Money, Abibatu Baxter, described the promotion as one of its kind in the country as it called Orange Money Shorki Love for its valued customers as these will give customers the opportunity to win 3 Billion Leones worth of prizes including 5 Brand New Cars for the next three month starting from the 15th October 2020.

She further stated that with the COVID-19 in the country everyone is using face masks in order to prevent contracting the virus but when the coronavirus would have left us everyone will be smiling and Orange is ready to put that smile on the faces of its valued customers.

She added by reiterating that to participate in this amazing promotion as a subscriber they must be registered to Orange Money that has sent money or cash during a minimum transaction either paying for EDSA or DSTV or for purchasing airtime or data bundles.

Ministry of Trade Hosts Ease of Doing Business Legislative Reform Webinar Series

October 13, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Ministry of Trade and Industry in partnership with DSTI and the Ministry of Justice have commenced a 3 days Legislative Webinar Series on the 12th October, 2020 which will end on the 14th October 2020.

This important event is part of the Trade Ministry’s commitment to drive policy reforms in order to improve Government service delivery and ultimately Sierra Leone’s ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hinga Sandy, informed participants and the audience that the World Bank undertook a diagnostic study in areas relating to business environment reforms noting that the study resulted in the development of a comprehensive Doing a Business Roadmap for Sierra Leone which was launched by the World Bank in November 2019.

He furthered how they took stock of current reforms, those in progress and proffered recommendations in various areas covered by the Doing Business Report.

According to him, the report is a living document which could be updated from time to time according to progresses made by the country.

The Minister disclosed that the outcome of the three day workshop will complement the recommendations of the Doing Business Report Roadmap.

He particularly commended the Minister of Finance and World Bank Directors for facilitating a World Bank Grant of $40 Million from the International Development Association (IDA) to support business environment reforms, investments and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“The Project will facilitate business formalization, by improving the processes of business registration, licensing and permitting. This will be achieved by reviews and reforms of regulations and laws to streamline these processes, digitalization of forms, procedures and information, implementation of user-friendly interfaces, training of Government personnel to effectively use streamlined processes, and communication campaigns to inform the target audience and its benefits,” he maintained.

Hinga Sandy intimated that his Ministry had and is still putting measures and modalities in place to ensure that the business environment is sanitized with optimal benefits in line with the New Direction development agenda.

He ended up by congratulating the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) for putting together the electronic platform as well as other inputs. He promised that the recommendations that would be made will be implemented to the letter.

Madam Saffie Deen-Tarawally, the Director of Policy and Doing Business Coordinator in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in giving a synopsis of the status quo of doing business in Sierra Leone stated that the IFC/World Bank Doing Business Reforms project was established by the World Bank in 2002, as a flagship project that measures the ease of doing business in 190 countries/ economies in the world, for private sector development further revealing that Sierra Leone joined the project in 2005.