During the “Wake Up Salone” breakfast program aired on by the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Television as well as the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) “Morning Coffee” program both aired on the same day, Wednesday 2nd September 2020, the Director of Public Education and Outreach of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) , Patrick Sandi, publicly tendered apologies to the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) for allegations against the latter which in actual fact turned out to be completely false.
His apologies came in the wake of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s statement in what they referred to as, “Updates On Actions With Audit Reports (No.1)” released on the 31st August 2020, in which it was categorically stated that the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) overpaid the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited the sum of Four Billion, One Hundred and Two Million Leones (Le4, 102,000,000.00).
Whilst tendering his apology he made it quite known that it was a mistake on their part, that is the ACC, the real amount in question is Four Million One Hundred and Two Thousand Leones.
It was further mentioned by the ACC that the said amount that was purported to have been overpaid was as a result of the assertion that quantity of fuel supplied was less than what was paid for. It was also alleged that the Finance Department of NP (SL) Limited failed to take the necessary action in order to make the necessary correction.
Quite keen to get to the bottom of this story, this medium, The Calabash, had an exclusive interview with the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker, in order to shed light on the aforementioned allegations by the ACC.
He started off by intimating this medium that all the allegations are completely baseless, unsubstantiated with no iota of truth in them. Kobi Walker maintained that there was no instance during which EDSA overpaid NP-SL Ltd the aforementioned amount of money.
“We are in fact challenging the assertion made by Patrick Sandi that the real amount in question that he said NP-SL owes is Four Million One Hundred and Two Thousand Leones but as far as we are concerned that is not the case. We will welcome the presentation of supporting documents to substantiate that claim,” he emphatically stated.
CEO Kobi Walker furthered that NP’s Finance Department has never engaged or exchanged correspondence with the Anti-Corruption Commission. “Indeed it came as a big surprise to Management to understand from the Media Release by the ACC dated 31st August 2020 claiming that our Finance Department never exchanged correspondence with EDSA when in actual fact there was no reason for doing so,” he underscored.
He additionally informed that by copy of a letter to the Minister of Finance dated 6th December 2019 and authored by the Director, Intelligence and Investigation Department of the Anti-Corruption Commission it was noted that NP (SL) Ltd short supplied EDSA 586 litres of petroleum product amounting to Four Million One Hundred and Two Thousand Leones (Le 4,102,000.00).
Kobi Walker also stated that product deliveries are made by third party transporters contracted by NP (SL) Limited furthering that they do not have in their records such a transaction and therefore cannot explain what constitutes the said deficit.
“We have been supportive to Government by regularly and timely paying our taxes. We have supported national causes and even recently donated a whopping sum of One Billion Leones to assist combat the spread of the coronavirus and a host of other things that impact positively on the socio-economic development of the nation. We are poise to do more,” he revealed.
He concluded by stating that NP (SL) Limited is a reputable corporate entity that conducts its business with the highest standards of integrity and moral rectitude.
“The Media Release put out by the Anti-Corruption Commission constitutes a grave reputational risk to our hard-earned image and this can be quite damaging,” he lamented.
On the 1st September 2020, during the trial of the sexual penetration matter before the Hon. Justice, Samuel Taylor, involving Mohamed Kamarainba as the 1st accused person or alleged perpetrator and the second accused, Marion Arouni,, the Defence Lawyers, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai and J.M Jengo, representing the two accused persons, cross examined the Prosecution Witness 1 (PW1), who happens to be the alleged victim of the criminal act.
When asked the name of her mother, the witness said her mother’s name is Tigidankay Sannoh.
The witness, during cross-examination, confirmed that they used to live at No16 John Kheilie Street but later relocated to No 9 Fabanada Street in Kono, before the alleged incident.
When she was asked what her mother is doing for a living, she responded by stating that her mother is just a house wife saying her father whose name is Vandy Sannoh is her biological father and a machine operator.
The alleged victim told the court that during the investigation, she was taken to the residence of Kamarainba in Freetown in the company of the Police but said she could not remember the house.
At that juncture, Defence Lawyer Saffa Abdulai put it to her that the reason why she passed the junction at Femi Tunner Drive leading to Kamarainba’s house during the said trip was because she has no existing knowledge where the house is situated. She answered in the affirmative.
Kamarainba’s Defence Lawyer further put it to the witness that the house of the first accused has 4 bed rooms instead of three as it was earlier stated and again she confirmed such to be true.
Saffa Abdulai maintained, during cross-examination, that when they visited the house when the investigation was ongoing, the bathroom was on the right hand side of the house and not on the left and that at the immediate right was the wardrobe. This again the alleged victim confirmed to be true.
When the issue of ‘Captain Band’, as stated by the victim in her testimony came up, the lawyer disclosed that according to the hospital record, the victim went to insert the said ‘Captain Band’ on the 7th &10th of February 2020.
In her reply, the alleged victim said she could not recall the exact date but it was on a Monday and that she went to the hospital before Valentine’s Day.
When she was questioned as to whether her mother had been taking her to a hospital for injections before the alleged incident she said she could not recall but added that before inserting the ‘Captain Band’, she was not menstruating, but said now she has started seeing her menses.
Quizzed about when she started seeing her menses the alleged victim stated that she was at age 13 when she started experiencing her menstrual period.
Defence Lawyer Saffa Abdulai strongly told the witness that she lied in her testimony in court by stating that the accused took her in a green vehicle when in her statement to the Police she said the accused took her in his grey vehicle.
She also confirmed that she mentioned ‘Diamond Lodge Hotel’ in her statement to the Police on two occasions, first was on the 17th and 21st July 2020, noting that at ‘Diamond Lodge Hotel’ the accused took her to a room and parlour and that on the 14th February 2020, they went to the hotel at around 4 pm.
The victim also revealed that the sexual intercourse she had with the first accused on the 14th February was the first time of having a sexual affair and that after the process she went to the bathroom on her own without any help.
The victim’s statement was shown to her and she confirmed that it was her statement she made to the Police.
Lawyer Abdulai demanded that the statement of the victim containing 21 pages to be part of the court records pursuant to Section 190 Sub-Section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act No32 of 1965. His application was granted.
In responding to further cross examination the alleged victim agreed that it was the second accused person, Marion Arouni, who brought her to Freetown in March 2020 and that the first accused visited them.
However, when Lawyer Abdulai told the witness that the burial she alleged they came for in Freetown was not in March but in February, in her reply she disagreed that it was in March and not February.
The Lawyer further put it to her that on the said 14th February 2020, when she alleged she was tampered with by the first accused, Mohamed Kamarainba, was not true, because his client was not in Kono at that time and had never taken her to Diamond Lodge Hotel as alleged by her in her testimony. She confirmed that the accused did take her to Diamond Lodge hotel twice and they had sex.
In further cross-examination, the Defence Counsel confronted the victim that the first accused had never had sexual intercourse with her, the witness in reply said the accused had sex with her.
Relatedly, Lawyer J. M Jengo, the Defence Counsel for the second accused, Marion Arouni, in his cross-examination said the alleged victim was born in Mesima Section in Bo Town. The witness answered in the affirmative. When she was questioned as to who one Pa Jaih is she said Pa Jaih is her grandfather.
He further revealed that the witness’ biological mother is one Tianga Jaih and not Tigidankay Sannoh. The witness in her reply said the names are the same.
She confirmed knowing the first accused Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray sometime in January when he visited the second accused.
When the witness was confronted on her statement made to the Police on the 17th July 2020, where she stated that she only came to know the accused on the 14th February 2020, the witness in her reply confirmed that what she said was true. That she only came to know Kamarainba on 14th February and not sometime in January 2020.
“In your statement to the Police you said it was the second accused that dressed you up to go out with the first accused and that you went there twice,” lawyer Jengo asked. The witness confirmed same.
He also disclosed that the witness in her entire statement to the Police on 17th July 2020 never mentioned anything about key. But the witness in her reply said she made mention of a key.
She also told the court that she only came to Freetown when second accused, Marion’s father died and that it was for the burial in March.
“Would you be surprised to know that the father of the second accused, Pa Sima died in February and was buried in February”, Lawyer Jengo asked the witness and she replied that she is not aware.
The witness was informed that it was because of her clothes that were taken from her by second accused, Marion, that she framed her up but the witness said it was not because of that and that all what she said in her testimony was the truth.
At this stage, the Defence team renewed their application for bail but it was turned down by the learned Judge, Justice Samuel Taylor, who, however, promised that he will consider bail on the next adjourned date, which is Saturday 5 September 2020, based on the weight of evidence.
The widely talked about Housemates Salone Season 2, “The Last Standing Couple” with the theme “Quarantine Drama” continues to gain momentum as audition commenced on Thursday 3rd September 2020 in order to select the most qualified twenty (20) applicants to enter the House on the 14th October 2020. Before, it actually started there was mounting build-up of energy and excitement but it all ended successfully.
The audition will go on until Sunday 6th September 2020 at the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire Office on Wesley Street in Freetown.
For now it is advisable for applicants to keep their phones on as the organizers, AYV and Africell, will be putting calls across.
This show offers the lucky winner of this much awaited show the opportunity to bag the whopping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) plus undertaking a round trip to Dubai.
Apart from bagging the Star Prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M), all other participants will have their daily allowances of Le100, 000 each, whilst they still remain in the House.
Interestingly, during a particular stage of the Show, based on the percentage of votes scored by a particular Housemate such will determine if he or she will be evicted from the House. Evictions will continue until the ultimate winner emerges.
With 20 Housemates from both sexes staying under the same roof for 60 days, physically cut off from the rest of the world, socializing, learning useful skills like cooking, singing, going through trials on how to articulately express themselves in different situations, setting goals they want to achieve, learning how to resolve conflicts, playing games, swimming and so on, will provide the necessary experience needed to go through life. Whilst in the House, these Housemates will cultivate positive attributes that will help shape their lives in their future endeavours, and has the proclivity to positively influence young viewers.
It must be noted that the Africell number through which members of the public could vote for their favourite Housemates will be announced in due course.
AYV and Africell-SL, in the Housemates Salone Season 2 show, have fused entertainment and youth empowerment, to not only give exposure to the participants and its accompanying benefits, but to provide a lively show that will keep viewers glued to their TV sets, especially during this period of social distancing, when many Sierra Leoneans and viewers across the world will be frequently staying at home.
One of the leading GSM mobile operators in the country, Orange Sierra Leone is poised to host its Social Venture Prize Innovators Competition on Thursday 10th September, 2020 which will be the second to be held in Sierra Leone. The Orange-SL Social Venture Prize Innovators Competition is geared towards providing a platform for young innovators and creative thinkers in Africa & Middle East to exhibit their business ideas.
The Orange Social Venture Prize has been in existence for almost ten years now but 2019 was the first year for it to be hosted in Sierra Leone. The event has been rewarding and showcasing the best innovative and socially responsible business projects in Africa and the Middle East in order to support them.
In compliance with the stringent health measure instituted by the Government of Sierra Leone to maintain social distancing, this year Orange-SL Social Venture Prize Innovators Competition will be done via the various Television Stations and partner radio stations across the country. The TV Stations are SLBC, Star TV and FTN.
This year’s event will be the tenth edition to be hosted by the company and will bring on board young innovators and entrepreneurs across the country to pitch their best business ideas on how to solve simply societal problems or create businesses on their own. A panel of judges will judge participants based on their business ideas and winners will receive financial support to upkeep and improve on their innovative ideas and businesses.
The winner will eventually be participating in an international competition wherein a team of international judges will award the grand prize to the best winners at both national and international levels.
It could be recalled that during the 2019 Orange-SL Social Venture Prize Innovators Competition, 15 participants contested in the preliminary stage of the program and after a thorough scrutiny, Aminata F. Kanneh, a young Agro-Fish Farm innovator, Samuel Kamara a young E-Net innovator, and a Botswana national, Eviteh, qualified for the final stage.
Aminata F. Kanneh, the young innovator of the Agro-Fish Farm Ltd project, emerged as winner with 198 points, Eviteh scored 196 points and Samuel Kamara came third with 161 points. Aminata was therefore awarded the grand price of Le10 million, one 4G fly box. The two runners up received Le2.5 million each, and a 4G Mifi.
During the “Wake Up Salone” breakfast program aired on by the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Television as well as the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) “Morning Coffee” program both aired on the same day, Wednesday 2nd September 2020, the Director of Public Education and Outreach of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) , Patrick Sandi, publicly tendered apologies to the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) for allegations against the latter which in actual fact turned out to be completely false.
His apologies came in the wake of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s statement in what they referred to as, “Updates On Actions With Audit Reports (No.1)” released on the 31st August 2020, in which it was categorically stated that the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) overpaid the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited the sum of Four Billion, One Hundred and Two Million Leones (Le4, 102,000,000.00).
Whilst tendering his apology he made it quite known that it was a mistake on their part, that is the ACC, as the real amount in question is Four Million One Hundred and Two Thousand Leones.
It was further mentioned by the ACC that the said amount that was purported to have been overpaid was as a result of the assertion that quantity of fuel supplied was less than what was paid for. It was also alleged that the Finance Department of NP (SL) Limited failed to take the necessary action in order to make the necessary correction.
Quite keen to get to the bottom of this story, this medium, The Calabash, had an exclusive interview with the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker, in order to shed light on the aforementioned allegations by the ACC.
He started off by intimating this medium that the all the allegations are completely baseless, unsubstantiated with no iota of truth in them. Kobi Walker maintained that there was no instance during which EDSA overpaid NP-SL Ltd the aforementioned amount of money.
“We are in fact challenging the assertion made by Patrick Sandi that the real amount in question that he said NP-SL owes is Four Million One Hundred and Two Thousand Leones but as far as we are concerned that is not the case. We will welcome the presentation of supporting documents to substantiate that claim,” he emphatically stated.
CEO Kobi Walker furthered that NP’s Finance Department has never engaged or exchanged correspondence with the Anti-Corruption Commission. “Indeed it came as a big surprise to Management to understand from the Media Release by the ACC dated 31st August 2020 claiming that our Finance Department never exchanged correspondence with EDSA when in actual fact there was no reason for doing so,” he underscored.
He additionally informed that by copy of a letter to the Minister of Finance dated 6th December 2019 and authored by the Director, Intelligence and Investigation Department of the Anti-Corruption Commission it was noted that NP (SL) Ltd short supplied EDSA 586 litres of petroleum product amounting to Four Million One Hundred and Two Thousand Leones (Le 4,102,000.00).
Kobi Walker also stated that product deliveries are made by third party transporters contracted by NP (SL) Limited furthering that they do not have in their records such a transaction and therefore cannot explain what constitutes the said deficit.
“We have been supportive to Government by regularly and timely paying our taxes. We have supported national causes and even recently donated a whopping sum of One Billion Leones to assist combat the spread of the coronavirus and a host of other things that impact positively on the socio-economic development of the nation. We are poise to do more,” he revealed.
He concluded by stating that NP (SL) Limited is a reputable corporate entity that conducts its business with the highest standards of integrity and moral rectitude.
“The Media Release put out by the Anti-Corruption Commission constitutes a grave reputational risk to our hard-earned image and this can be quite damaging,” he lamented.
A cross section of the members of the Moyamba District Student Union (MoDSU) has on Thursday 27th August, 2020 met with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Y. Brewah Esq. who happens to be a descendant of that district. The meeting was meant to present to him a plaque of appreciation for his diligent services to the people of Sierra Leone and to congratulate him on his appointment as the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
In her opening statement, the Public Relations Officer of MoDSU Christina Bangura, expressed appreciation to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Y Brewah Esq. for accepting their proposal to meet with him further expressing the view that the membership of MoDSU is happy for doing so.
In his address, President of MoDSU, Alfred M. Sesay, congratulated the AG for his appointment and thanked HE Julius Maada Bio for choosing a descendant of Moyamba. He dilated on the successes MoDSU have made over the years and informed the AG about the challenges and future projects MoDSU has outlined to undertake this year. He presented a plaque of appreciation on behalf of MoDSU and pleaded to the AG to be prudent in dispensing his duty to the people of Sierra Leone. He also urged the AG to ensure that there is a retransformation of the Judiciary.
In his response, the AG said that the occasion was such an emotional one which brings fresh memories to his mind. He gratefully commented that he is indeed a proud descendant from Moyamba District. The AG further thanked the entire membership of MoDSU for such a kind gesture, expressing his willingness to be of help to the activities of MoDSU and promised to see and listen to the members as long as he is available. He advised the members of MoDSU to be industrious and hardworking in their educational pursuits so that they will take the district and families out of poverty.
The meeting was climaxed with a personal interaction between the AG and members of MoDSU.
Poet Samuella Conteh has been honoured with Prashamshith Pathr (Certificate of Honour) from the world’s most active writers forum ‘Motivational Strips’ and Indian Government’s premier Literary institution ‘Gujarat Sahitya Akademi’.
Samuella Conteh is a prominent Sierra Leonean poet who has been writing vivid poetry from her young age. She is a role model to all her fellow writers, by having won an International award of such stature from two gigantic literary institutions.
Motivational Strips has writers from 163 countries and the monthly visitors to its page crosses 7.3 million. They had combined with Indian Government’s ‘Gujarat Sahitya Akademi’ during India’s 74th Independence Day, to honour 350 poets and writers from 80 countries. This is the first time two world popular literary entities have merged to identify national and international talents. The best of prominent world poets and writers were selected for the awards.
The founder of Motivational Strips, Shiju H. Pallithazheth has applauded Samuella Conteh for bringing pride to Sierra Leone by making a mark in global Literature. The Chairman of ‘Gujarat Sahitya Akademi’ Dr Vishnu Pandya states ‘this moment will remain historic in world literature’
Samuella continues to inspire the world readers by setting a benchmark in poetry worldwide. Her passion and prowess for poetry has earned her dozens of Certificates of Excellence and previous awards conferred on her are as follows:
Medal of Ambassador of Literature (ADL)
Award of World Poetic Star
Award of Mahatma Medal
The Order of Shakespeare Medal (OOS)
Premio Mundial a la Excellencies Literaria, 2019-2020 by the Government of Peru
She is a member of the Sierra Leone Writers Forum and Board member of PEN-SL. Her works have been featured in several national and international Anthologies, magazines, websites and e-zines.
Samuella is currently the Senior Administrative Officer of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL).
National Director of World Vision Sierra Leone, James Chifwélu
By Foday Moriba Conteh
One of the leading and largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country, World Vision Sierra Leone is poised to implement one of the biggest WASH projects in the country after signing a WASH Response Project with the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) with support from the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation worth over 2.2 Billion Leones.
This move by World Vision and its partners is geared towards complementing Government’s efforts to provide and improve WASH facilities in the country, with the objective of scaling up preventive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen sanitation and health systems at the community level.
According to a joint Press Release , the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, HEINEKEN Africa Foundation and World Vision -Sierra Leone are working together to support communities in Sierra Leone in the fight against COVID-19.
On the occasion of World Water Week, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, HEINEKEN Africa Foundation and World Vision Sierra Leone are proud to announce their common commitment to promote lifesaving hygiene education and hand washing facilities in the urgent fight against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.
The release also revealed that in Sierra Leone, 12% of health facilities are using an unimproved water source and 15% of health facilities report that their water is rarely or never available from the source they use, which adds to the challenge of treating patients infected with COVID-19.
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and because it has built a strong expertise on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) since 2007, the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation is committing 5 million euros in the coming year to set up hand washing facilities and provide hygiene information in health centers, markets and community settings in eight sub-Saharan African countries.
Sierra Leone, which is one of the eight countries targeted, bagging a contribution from the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation of 210,625 euros will help World Vision Sierra Leone to focus on informal settlements in Freetown that are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection.
This project will impact 16,000 people with improved water services and 300,000 people with hygiene promotion to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Speaking during the launch, the dynamic National Director of World Vision Sierra Leone, James Chifwélu, expressed appreciation to SLBL and HAF for the partnership, which he described as not only significant but very timely at the moment as the launch will serve as a direct contribution towards the fight against the COVID- 19 in the country.
James Chifwélu disclosed that World Vision started operations in Sierra Leone in 1996 during the country’s civil war, providing life- saving relief and humanitarian assistances, adding that they are one of the largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country. He reiterated how they have been conducting relief, development and advocacy activities in their work targeting children, families, and communities in nearly 100 countries to help them realize their full potentials by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
He said World Vision’s Sierra Leone WASH Program spends an average of about $1.5 million yearly, working with 11 dedicated WASH staff. He welcomed the much-needed support from the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation to reinforce the WASH Program in the country
The National Director of World Vision Sierra Leone said since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country they have been partnering with various organizations as part of their support in curtailing the spread of the virus in the country, adding that World Vision has been working closely with community residents where they operate further stating that with this new project that has been signed such will definitely help them to reach more communities in order to save the lives of those in dire need of support in the country.
He also disclosed that they have also sealed an agreement with the Inter-Religious Council in order to bring authorities of the two main religions to work together in order to fight COVID-19 in the country.
James Chifwélu said they have also partnered with the Government of Sierra Leone in many areas geared towards combating COVID-19 in the country, adding that just recently they supported the Ministry of Planning radio program in order to disseminate the correct information about COVID-19.
He maintained that their footprint is seen within the provinces as they operate in Pujehun, Kono, Bonthe, Falaba, Bo, Kambia etc. but said with this partnership with SLBL they will work closely in the western area, stating that, in the past they have been intermittently working in the Western Area as they did during the outbreak of Ebola, Mudslide and now COVID-19.
The National Director said during the lockdowns they worked with the Ministry of Water Resources to support the WASH component in the country.
He assured all that they are committed to work with the set goals as they have already started consultations and they will also work with the Ministries of Water Resources, Health and Sanitation to ensure that they work within their premise in order to reach targeted beneficiaries.
On his part, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Albert Ojo Collier, in his statement, revealed that it is indeed a great honour and privilege to officially unveil and sign the WASH Response Project contract which, he said, is a partnership involving the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation (HAF), Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) and World Vision International to support communities in Sierra Leone to scale up the fight against COVID-19.
He said SLBL and HAF have again taken up the challenge to continue to support the people of Sierra Leone adding how they are very proud to do so as an exemplary corporate citizen (SLBL) that is contributing to the wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans by supporting private sector initiatives of this nature.
Albert Ojo Collier further disclosed that the project is funded by HAF to help reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone, adding that it is a six-month WASH response project worth €210,625 (over 2.2 Billion Leones at the current exchange rate).
“In implementing the project, World Vision will focus on the provision of pure water supply to communities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including mechanized solar-powered boreholes and water trucking services where needed. Freestanding hand-washing stations will be fabricated or procured (such as Veronica buckets, with a tap) and placed at strategic public places and community health centres. Soap and disinfectants will be provided at the hand- washing units in public places, informational and educational materials utilized in sensitizing people living in slums and their community health centers to outline the sanitation and hygiene practices to be carried out by both patients and healthcare workers,” he also revealed.
He said for effective prevention and mitigation, World Vision will work with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to develop, print, and distribute social behavior-change communication materials on COVID-19 and strengthen WASH promotion through community health workers at the household level, also emphasizing key COVID-19 prevention messages with special focus on actions to improve hygiene practices.
Revealing the summary of the project, he said, the partnership has agreed on key performance indicators which are that 16,000 people will be reached to access clean water, 12 water system tap stands with 24 taps will be constructed, 6,000 people will be reached with preventative WASH kits, 300,000 people in informal settlements will directly benefit from educational materials and with 200,000 people who work in the markets as secondary beneficiaries. He described the intervention as timely and supportive to the people of Sierra Leone at this moment when the country is battling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Albert Ojo Collier recalled that prior to this partnership, SLBL donated hand washing and other COVID-19 prevention materials and Maltina Beverage drinks to the Emergency COVID-19 Operations Office then, Members of Parliament in Constituency 114 and 115, City Council Ward Councilors in Wards 404, 405 and 406 in the Wellington, Calaba Town Axis and the Medical and Dental Association costing over 150 Million Leones.
He stated that HAF, in the past, has been providing support to the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited since 2010 by identifying deserving proposals forwarded by various community residents, where the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited is operating, on an annual basis to be supported or funded.
Ojo Collier said, however, due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic which has prevented them from continuing to do so now they therefore decided to sign this partnership with an international NGO, as deemed necessary, to focus on the pandemic at hand.
In his address during the launch, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who also doubles as Spokesperson for NACOVERC, Solomon Jamiru Esq, expressed gratitude to SLBL ,HAF and World Vision for partnering together to implement such a project.
He said by estimation the nature of the project will make it possible for timely intervention in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and also in enumerating the impact of COVID-19 in the country.
Solomon Jamiru added that the private sector has a critical role to play towards the development of any nation and that with this support coming from the private sector such symbolizes their commitment in complementing the efforts of Government.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Rev. Abraham James Sesay-Jones, who was also in attendance during the launch of the project showered praises on both organizations for the timely intervention to support the fight against COVID-19 in the country.
He pleaded with World Vision to target traders in market places disclosing that they must be the major beneficiaries of the project, adding that the markets are the most crowded places and those going there are at risk of contracting the virus.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Communications Manager of World Vision, Edward Renner, expressed appreciation to both organizations for the partnership furthering that he is of the strong conviction that the project will impact the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
He said World Vision has been undertaking life- saving relief and
humanitarian assistance interventions, adding that World Vision- Sierra Leone spends an average of about $1.5 million yearly on its WASH project, working with 11 dedicated WASH staff. He welcomed the much-needed support from the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation to reinforce the WASH Program in the country.
National Director of World Vision Sierra Leone, James ChifwéluNational Director of World Vision Sierra Leone, James Chifwélu Signing the contract agreementNational Director of World Vision Sierra Leone, James Chifwélu with the Corporate Affairs Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Albert Ojo CollierNational Director of World Vision Sierra Leone, James Chifwélu Signing the contract agreementCross Section of Participants at the launching of the ProjectCross Section of Participants at the during launching of the Project
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in an effort to update the general public of the actions and steps it has taken to address critical issues raised in the Auditor General Audit Reports of Sierra Leone, has revealed that its interventions focused on aspects of possible or alleged corruption and conduct inconsistent with provision(s) in the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008.
The ACC stated that after a thorough review and analysis of the aforementioned Report a total of twenty-one (21) issues attracted the attention of the Commission with a view to investigate, prosecute or recover public funds, revenue, public property, as the case maybe in accordance with Sections 7 and 48 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008 respectively.
Below are the issues and areas of ACC interventions, and the outcomes of same:
As of date the ACC has charged two (2) matters to Court. Furthermore, there are thirteen (13) ongoing active investigations. Two (2) matters have been accordingly closed for lack of evidence.
The Commission has recovered a total sum of Two Billion. Seven Hundred And Forty-Two Million. One And Eighty-Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Four Leones, Sixty-One Cents (Le: 2, 742, 185,304, 61).
1.Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) — The Audit Report alleged that EDSA made more than One Billion, Four Hundred and Eighty Nine Million, One Hundred and Sixteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty One Leones and Fifty to the Ministry of Energy and Power (MEP), without justification or supporting documents.
ACC established that the sum of One Billion, Seven Hundred And Fifty Seven Million Three Hundred And Sixty Four Thousand Two Hundred And Twenty Four Leone (Le: 1.757.364.224.00) was transferred by both EDSA and Electricity Generation and Transmission Authority (EGTC), to the Ministry of Energy and Power (MEP) to settle the liabilities of the then National Power Authority (NPA) following the unbundling process. MEP submitted verifiable supporting documents.
The matter was accordingly closed. Nonetheless, ACC investigations unveiled that the sum of Sixty-Two Million (Le: 62, 000. 000) was
dangling in the Ministry’s Account claimed by no one. Accordingly, the ACC wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the grid Ministry directing the transfer of same. The Ministry has implemented the
Seven Billion (Le: 7bn) to the various constituent Colleges without supporting documents.
The ACC has obtained the required financial and other supporting documents. The said documents have been analysed and found to be
consistent with the Statements made by the officials of the University. There was therefore no loss.
National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) — The Technical Audit Report captured issues relating to alleged poor debt management, invalid pensioners among others. ACC investigations
established that the respective beneficiaries mentioned in the Technical Audit are genuine contributors, and beneficiaries to the NASSIT Scheme. They are therefore not ghost beneficiaries contrary to what was alleged.
Emergency Operation Centre (EOC and National Ebola Response Centre (NERC) — The Audit Report captured alleged Mismanagement of Ebola Funds. On this issue, the blanket “NO Objection” issued by National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) to both EOC and NERC following the issuance of an Executive Clearance by State House undermined the procurement processes by apparently creating potential room for officials, and suppliers, to collude and steal from the provisions of goods and services during the WAR against Ebola. However, the availability of the blanket “NO Objection” from the NPPA to the NERC which made them not to be subject to established procurement rules and processes and records keeping made it difficult to apportion responsibility.
The Commission shall continue to promptly update the public through media releases on interventions made in regard to the Auditor General’s Audit Reports of Sierra Leone. Release No. 2 on Audit Reports will be out next week and subsequent Weeks.
Meanwhile, the ACC wishes to reassure the general public of its resolve to protecting public property and revenue across the country at all times.
The environment plays an important role in the health of humans and wildlife. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 was a wakeup call to pay more attention to nature if we are to live in peace. As humans, life on earth can become challenging if we continue to neglect and or destroy the very fabric of our existence. The world had seen the emergence of many infectious diseases and a change in the relationship between humans and nature.
It is believed that the COVID -19 pandemic is not the last to seriously hit humans and nature and if we fail to put an end to the trade in wildlife species we are at a higher risk to contend with many more pandemics. This means we should encourage ourselves to be more environmental friendly and avoid interference with wildlife.
The question here is how many more infectious diseases are we expecting to emerge in the future? Honestly the answer lies with us –humans. The environment and climate have experienced numerous impacts due to COVID-19 both positively and negatively.
COVID-19 has been a public health emergency of international concern and every country and sector in the world have been affected. The imposition of travel bans and restrictions around the globe resulted to a massive reduction of oil and its demands. Furthermore, there has been a reduction in the pollution of greenhouse gasses from factories and carbon emission from smokes and wastes.
However, the process in which the environment can heal completely is farfetched as humans plan to return to normal lifestyles. Lockdowns and travel restrictions were temporary positive impacts on the environment that could now pave the way for humans to adjust their way of life without negatively impacting the environment, the health of humans, animals and the ecosystem.
In the 21st century, corona virus is the third most infectious disease to have destroyed humans and also putting a halt on the world’s economy. Psychologically COVID-19 has crippled essential health services and how people live their lives on a daily base.
Meanwhile, polluting the air can affect the climate and this will result to rapid changes on our ecosystems, which on the other hand can exacerbate infectious diseases outbreaks that will affect pathogens, vectors, hosts and transmission dynamics. As and when this happens, humans and animals will suffer. However, an infectious disease when emerged amongst the animals can completely wipe out an entire family just like humans.
Also, controlling and or trying to minimize the spread of an infectious disease amongst humans and animals will be futile. Whereas humans can go to the hospital for treatment, the animals cannot and with the destruction of their habitats for them to go through any disease naturally will never happen. They will eventually end up dead.
The pandemic being a global health emergency and with adverse effects on humans has positively changed travel and production patterns that can improve air quality and reduce carbon footprint which will lead to improved environmental health for all.
Inasmuch as the world is gradually returning to production there is still more to learn about the corona virus, such as whether there is a limit on required immunity or rather will the virus be seasonal or should humans prepare to live with the virus? On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that COVID -19 and other pandemics are here to stay.
Tacugama through its environmental education programme in schools provides a platform for children to know more about wildlife and zoonoses and how closely they are linked together. Children in urban and in rural areas are taught about the health of people and animals as humans continue to daily interact with plants, animals and the environment. The sanctuary is working closely with UN agencies (WHO and FAO), INGOs and local communities to reiterate the One Health agenda stating that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.
With this in mind, humans should endeavor to protect the environment at all cost and minimize the level of wildlife and human interaction. We should also bear in mind that the environment protects us and we heavily and entirely depend on it for our day to day living. At the same time, Wildlife should be left to thrive in the wild. That is where they belong! Returning to normalcy depends on our actions.
Tacugama chimpanzee sanctuary continues to play an important role in the protection of wildlife and the environment in the country, nursing thousands of seeds for planting in degraded areas around the sanctuary and in rural communities.
