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Guma Valley Expresses Reservations over Rampant Spate of Deforestation

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Friday 5th June 2020, His Excellency the President Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio kick-started a national tree planting exercise and launched the National Tree Planting Project to minimize the impact of climate change and fulfil commitment in the Medium-Term National Development Plan.

During the launch, he said the project is aimed at planting 5 million trees across the country between now and June 2024. President Bio said that the National Tree Planting Project will benefit the Health, Water and Agriculture sectors amongst others.

However, the Guma Valley Water Company is worried at the rampant spate of deforestation ongoing at the Guma Dam Trail at the No. 2 River Community, which has the tendency to expose the Guma Dam which supplies over 90% of potable water to Freetown to severe climate change impacts.

In January this year, the Management of Guma as it has been doing for over two decades now; again brought the issue of deforestation to the attention of the Government. This led to the setting up of an Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, Lands, EPA, NWRMA, NPPA, etc, to come up with resolutions for the attention of Government.

Several meetings have been held and water catchment sites visited by the Committee to get first hand information on the situation; despite these efforts, the deforestation of the Western Area Peninsular Forest continues unabated and is getting worse by the day.

In 2016, when Freetown last experienced an acute water crisis, the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency and other line stakeholders facilitated the planting of 18,000 hectares of trees at Mile 13 to commemorate World Tree Planting Day.

At that ceremony, speaker after speaker underscored the importance of tree planting so as to prevent water shortage in Freetown and the rest of the country. The coined Krio theme for the 2016 event was: “Plant Tik For Get Wata”.

The Management of Guma Valley Water Company is therefore calling on the Government to take a critical look at the deforestation menace around the Guma Dam at Mile 13 as it poses a serious threat to water supply to Freetown.

Hon. Robin Faley Cautions Sierra Leoneans to Prepare for COVID-19 Impacts

Honourable Robin Faley

By Melvin Tejan Mansaray

Honourable Robin Faley, who is a seasoned United Kingdom (UK) trained Forensic Mental Health Practitioner with over twenty years clinical experience, has cautioned Sierra Leoneans to be prepared for the mental, emotional, psychological, physical and financial impacts that will accompany the coronavirus pandemic across the country and world.

He made that call during the famous “Opin You Yai People’s Parliament” radio programme aired on Friday 12, June 2020 on Skyy Radio FM 106.5, where he was speaking on the UK experience of coronavirus, its impact, the need for opening up and lockdown across the world, among several other issues.

“I will be doing a disservice as a mental health practitioner if I fail to talk about the emotional, mental and psychological damage that the coronavirus pandemic is already causing and will continue to have on the lives of people. The journey ahead is going to be bumpy emotionally, mentally, psychologically and   this is because of the huge economic decline, joblessness and famine,” Hon. Faley expressed.
The mental health nurse cum eloquent former (2007-2012) Member of Parliament said, “things are difficult now and   at the end of the day it is going to be even more difficult.”
This is not only affecting Sierra Leone, where poverty is rife but Governments all over the world, Hon. Robin said.

“To young men and women, brace up, things are going to be difficult and bumpy, put on your seat belts. The economy is not good, poverty is rife, farming is not happening, people must brace up and be ready to work or else it is going to be difficult, that’s my message.”
On the political front, Hon. Faley, who doubles as Deputy Publicity one of the main opposition APC party beckoned the opposition against abusive politics while urging the Government to refrain from a politics of vendetta.

On the global quagmire on when and how to open up countries from lockdown, Hon. Faley said in the UK where he resides, Government is worried about easing the restrictions but also looking at  improving the GDP which is badly hurt, a dilemma and situation that is very hard to  balance right  for the Government like other countries. “But the UK Government  is  trying to ease things gradually though with new measures such as use of facemasks being made compulsory now,” he said.

Parliamentary wise, the former firebrand debater and stilt politician, Hon. Faley said the state of emergency was very necessary but sadly, “the Attorney General failed to accompany it with the  regulations as per Section 29.13. She should apologize to the people of Sierra Leone.”
He described the current political atmosphere in the country as volatile and tense compounded by the   coronavirus pandemic.

He noted that these are the worst moments for the main opposition APC which he said needs urgent in-house cleaning.
“It is not necessary to wish evil for our leaders, preaching tribalism, hate, revenge and grudges. The ruling Government must also forget about retributive justice and provide jobs and food on the table for the ordinary people,” Hon. Robin Faley noted.

BAN, Christian Aid Donate to Pujehun

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In Pujehun district, the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) with funding from Christian Aid, donated food and non-food items, worth over hundred and thirty-eight million Leones, to twenty-two (22) communities and two quarantine homes, as part of their intervention in the fight against COVID19.

The distribution was done at the District Coronavirus Emergency Response Centre in Pujehun town amidst a cross section of district stakeholders and beneficiaries.

The donated items include 200 bags of White Rice (25kg), 112 bags of Onions, 10 cartoons of Maggie, 41 bags of salt, 100 gallons of cooking oil, 30 Temperature Thermometers, 25 sets of Veronica buckets, 6 cartoons of Hand Sanitizers, 10 cartoons of Liquid Soap and 660 pieces of local facemasks.

BAN also provided fuel, field allowance and DSA support to the social mobilization pillar and the District Civil Society body to monitor border crossing points and give situational updates on the coronavirus and through radio discussion programs.

BAN and RADA are implementing the Health Legacy Project in 22 communities in Pujehun district. It is now in its third and final year. Abdulraman Morlson Sesay, BAN’s Senior Program Officer said, instead of the usual project activities and community engagements, the project is now giving direct livelihood support to lactating mothers, disable and vulnerable people.

The Health Legacy’s main goal is to strengthen community and district structures to work towards a healthy budget that is adequate and effectively managed to improve maternal new-born.

BAN signed two Memoranda of Understanding with Radio Wanjei, FM 101.1 and Radio Wanjama, FM 100.1 and handed over payment cheques for ten (10) radio programs.

On his part, the District Coronavirus Emergency Response Centre Coordinator, Mohamed Kpana Gbato Kemokai said the gesture came in handy at a time the inter-district lockdown has had a serious economic effect on the people.

He said the gesture would go a long way in salvaging the basic food needs of beneficiaries from 22 communities.

A total of 68 bags of white rice (25 kg), 140 packets of salt, 46 bags of onions, 6 thermometers, 60 facemasks, 62 packets of Maggie, 34 gallons of cooking oil, 2 handwash stations, 40 Sanitizers, and 70 liquid soap was donated to the two quarantine homes in Pujehun district.

The DICOVERC Coordinator said the donated items would go a long way in the fight against COVID 19 in the district, especially the food needs of the patients.

According to Ibrahim B. Swarray, Chairman of the Civil Society Forum,(Pujehun) is currently experiencing economic hardship which is attributed to the inter-district lockdown.

He said petty-trading, fishing, farming activities and periodic marketing activities have all scaled down due to restriction on public gathering and in compliance with the social distancing rule.

The recipients thanked BAN for their support at this crucial time of the coronavirus as they reflected on the good work BAN, Christian Aid and RADA have been doing in the health sector to promote participation, accountability and transparency in handling health resources in the district.

Budget Advocacy Network is a conglomeration of seven civil society organizations with both international and national reaches. The seven include Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Christian Aid (CASL), Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), Transparency International (TI) ActionAid International, Sierra Leone, (AAISL), Search for Common Ground (SFCG) and the Western Area Budget Education Network (WABEAN).

BAN was established in 2006 to work on budgets and budget policies in a bid to enhance policy making and implementation for sustainable and equitable development. This is done to ensure greater inclusiveness in the budget process, increase access to information and improved responsiveness geared towards achieving gender sensitive budgeting, pro-poor budgeting and programs.

 

Managing Director says GTBank Has Passion for Greatness

Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Adekunle Adebiyi

By Amin Kef Sesay

At the helm of banking business in the country since 2002 when they arrived Guaranty Trust Bank Sierra Leone Limited continues to render its operations to its numerous customers.

The Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Adekunle Adebiyi said the reason he joined the Bank from Nigeria was because of the Bank’s quality and passion for greatness.

He said when he was transferred to Freetown, he was very happy because GTBank in Sierra Leone has been a success story and he wanted to be part of that great story.

“GTBank in Sierra Leone and across Africa has been winning so many accolades that have proven beyond all reasonable doubts that quality and excellent workforce has been the hallmark of the company. GTBank in Sierra Leone has won the Best Bank on several occasions by AWOL and other organizers and the Bank has been making profits steadily year on year.

“We know that there are challenges in our operations in the country but as you know every institution at some point faces such but those challenges are always surmountable and will move one,” Adebiyi said and added that since he arrived he has been working to continue the ascendancy of the Bank and sustained its operations within the confines of the law to keep the profit going and the reputation of the Bank.

He said the Bank has been very instrumental in the Government’s Free and Quality Education as they have been supporting schools across the country with learning materials, stating that an educated nation is a rich and successful nation.

Adebiyi said they are not taking their Corporate Social Responsibility any lightly and they have been supporting so many organizations and institutions like the Police Wives, Amputees, School for the Deaf and Dumb.

“Because of our banking relationship with our customers, we have helped grow so many businesses in the country through better loans and overdrafts. We will continue to make sure we help develop more businesses in the years to come,” he promised.

The Managing Director averred that they are passionate about building the Bank of the future by leveraging the best of technology to add real value to their customers’ lives, and the awards they have been winning illustrate the hard work and commitment of their staff, Management and Board towards achieving that goal.

“GTBank is the Best Bank in Africa and the Best Bank in Sierra Leone. The Bank’s digital drive and its clarity of vision in reimagining the future of banks and banking is the commitment to leading the future of banking as well as its consistency to long-term strategy led by their Senior Management team that does not abhor complacency and keeps the business in a constant state of innovation.”

Mr Adebiyi noted that GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry and their brand is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.

“As a leader in innovation, GTBank customers have been availed greater opportunities in terms of banking with ease and these include creating innovative products and services, especially in the electronic aspect of banking that has been designed to suit their needs. The Bank remains the first bank to introduce an electronic notification system – Guaranty Trust Electronic Notification System (GeNS), which notifies customers about all transactions on their accounts via their phones and e-mail (On-Line Real Time). Accounts can also be accessed through our Internet and mobile banking services.”

He said the bank was chosen to partner with SPLASH MOBILE MONEY, the country’s first mobile payments service. The banked and the unbanked population of Sierra Leone especially in the provinces can send or receive money using their mobile phones and payments would be done by their Agents scattered all over Sierra Leone. The bank is also an agent for AIRTEL MONEY.

“Employers can now pay their staff salaries with ease as salaries can be posted using our GTBank Automated Payment System which is faster and easier. We also have products like the Staff Salary Loans, Salary Advance Scheme and many others for large corporate and Government employees. We are a friend to the business community. Our Relationship Management concept has transformed the banking landscape of Sierra Leone.”

WHH/KNSCC clean Koidu on World Environment Day

Some youth employed by WHH/KNSCC engaged in cleaning and planting flowers on Kainkordu Road in Koidu City

By Tamba Borbor

Public Relations Officer

Welthungerhilfe Improved Waste Management Project

Koidu City

German International Non-Governmental Organisation, Welthungerhilfe commonly called (WHH), through its Improved Waste Management Project (SLE 1048) in collaboration with the Koidu New Sembehun City Council (KNSCC) has on Friday 5th June 2020 celebrated World Environment Day.

As the United Nations principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment, this year’s theme is “Celebrate Biodiversity” as the world is faced with the challenge of the extinction of one million species.

The Environment and Social Officer of the Koidu New Sembehun City Council (KNSCC), Ibrahim Bockarie explained that the celebration is geared towards raising awareness about the environment as Sierra Leone is a signatory to the international treaty to protect the environment.

“We have held a radio sensitization programme to educate the people about protecting and preserving the environment in collaboration with WHH in addition to cleaning long-clogged up canals and drainages in the city of Koidu and planting trees/flowers and sweeping major streets in order to beautify the face of the municipality,” Bockarie informed.

He added that as populations around the world increase, the environment is adversely impacted, consequently posing a serious challenge.

Isata Sulaiman, a resident of Konomanyi Street where WHH in collaboration with the City Council cleared a canal/drainage which had posed a perennial challenge of flooding, expressed appreciation to both institutions for finally bringing relief to residents of that area through the cleaning.

“In the recent past before this exercise by WHH and the City Council, the canal was a source of an unbearable stench which always floods and fills our shops and houses. But now that it has been fully cleared up, we would breathe a sigh of relief,” Ms. Sulaiman stated.

Contracting a total number of forty youth, the World Environment Day activities by WHH targeted major streets and areas like Kainkordu Road, Gbense Gumbu and Konomanyi streets canals, Masingbi Road, Gbense Market skip locations, among others.

Prior to the celebration, stakeholders involved in environmental issues in the country like the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), civil society were brought together in a one-hour radio discussion programme to highlight issues bordering on preserving and protecting the environment.

The Improved Waste Management in Cities Project (SLE 1048) implemented by Welthungerhilfe in collaboration with the Koidu New Sembehun City Council (KNSCC) is funded by the British people through the Department For International Development (DFID) and has been successfully implemented in Bo, Makeni and Kenema cities in Sierra Leone. These cities are now amongst the cleanest in the country.

WHH ProAct 2015 celebrates World Food Safety Day

Senior LANN+ Manager- Hawa Bockarie displaying various foodstuffs at Tongoro village during World Food Safety Day

By Tamba Borbor

Public Relations Officer

Welthungerhilfe Improved Waste Management Project

Koidu City

The Pro-Resilience Action (ProAct 2015) Project, currently implemented by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) in partnership with COOPI and InterAide has on Sunday 7th June 2020 observed World Food Safety Day in Tongoro village in the Tankoro Chiefdom, Kono District.

Under the framework of  its Linking Agriculture, Natural Resources Management towards Nutrition Security (LANN+) Project, this year’s celebration with the theme: “Food Security is everyone’s business”, saw WHH engage the Tongoro LANN+ community on how to  prepare safe and hygienic food in a sanitary environment.

Head of Project of Welthungerhilfe ProAct 2015 project- Derek Makokha, explained that the essence of the celebration is to increase awareness in the people about observing “proper hygiene from the moment of sourcing the food at the farmgate to the plate.”

The Senior Manager of LANN+ project, Hawa Bockarie stated that the Day is about improving the nutritional knowledge, hygiene, and sanitation of the targeted households.

“In Covid-19 context, us celebrating this World Food Safety Day here in Tongoro village is about ensuring the people are taught how to prepare safe food through our cooking demonstrations. We are ensuring the people do not eat contaminated food that would harm their health,” she explained; adding that LANN is a participatory training approach geared towards improving the lives of households through nutrition education, hygiene and sanitation in addressing existing challenges.

The Town Chief of Tongoro village, Sahr Yarjah who prepared various condiments to cook for his household during the Day, noted that the celebration is important to highlight that men should help their wives in the kitchen in preparing safe food.

“It is good to eat a balanced diet to ensure a healthy living. Let us be reminded that food hygiene is key in maintaining one’s wellbeing,” the Town Chief said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Food Safety is a public Health issue as every year 420,000 people die of contaminated foods which includes 125,000 children under five years.

Consequently, this year’s celebration is a call to action for Governments to afford safe and nutritious food to all; ensure agriculture and food producers must adopt good practices to make certain food is grown safe; all consumers have the right to safe, healthy and nutritious food and that food safety is a shared responsibility which requires teamwork.

The celebration of World Food Day in Tongoro village also saw WHH ProAct 2015 project distribute cartoons of soap to 83 households to support regular handwashing in preventing the novel coronavirus while sensitizing them on the symptoms.

ProAct 2015 is funded by the European Union (EUC)

Representatives of various households in Tongoro villages receiving soap from WHH ProAct 2015 to prevent Covid-19 through regular handwashing.
Town Chief of Tongoro village- Sahr Yarjah cooking for his household during World Food Safety Day

As They Suffer Heavily, Freetonians Ask… Why Is SLRTC Not Running Our Buses?

By Amin Kef Sesay

Freetonians, particularly the hundreds of thousands living in the peri-urban areas, who daily face huge transportation constraints shuttling to and from work, business and “dregging” in the city wonder why at a time when the COVID- 19 curfew has imposed on them added transportation constraints, the Sierra Leone Roads Transport Corporation (SLRTC) can pack all the people’s buses at a time when they should be on the roads helping to ease the transport challenges that tens of thousands of poor ordinary dwellers living in the growing western urban and rural communities face.

SLRTC’s buses on the roads, the people say, would not only be contributing daily, tens of millions of Leones, to revenue generation for the Government at a time when NRA reports a fall in revenue generation by over 3 billion but also keep many people virtually laid off by the Corporation in employment.

Affordable public transportation in the western area, which is the powerhouses of the economy and now host close to, if not more than two million people, cannot be overstated.

Whilst the social advantages of public transport are well known, the economic benefits, particularly for Freetown are incalculable.

Efficient mobility in the capital city creates economic opportunities, enables trade, facilitates access to markets and services and makes efficient use of resources.

As public transport forms the backbone of any efficient urban mobility system, adequate public transport provision will help make Freetown more dynamic and competitive as well as create more jobs.

It must be understood by the New Direction Government that public transport is a major contributor to both national and local economies through the diverse range of skilled, high-tech jobs that it offers directly. SLRTC, if it expands its services to meet the growing need for affordable transportation can not only provide much needed direct and indirect jobs but will also greatly boost the Government’s revenue drive.

Transport economists state that capital investment in public transport sparks a chain reaction in economic activity up to three or four times the initial investment, enabling and promoting urban densification and greater urban productivity.

Investments such as these can also provide up to twice as many local jobs compared to investment in other areas, such as roads, due to their complexity and thus the variety of competencies required.

Widely available public transport can also help to act as a catalyst for wider urban development, helping to attract businesses and private investment to urban areas, saving people transport.

While large-scale public transport investment projects are undoubtedly expensive, they are actually significantly less expensive than the direct cost of congestion, which can seriously harm the cities’ competitiveness, affecting travel time reliability and business productivity.

Public transport networks and infrastructure also play an essential role in the ‘global appeal’ of a city, as cities that are easy to move about in are consequently more appealing to businesses and tourists alike.

This commentary therefore shines the spotlight on the economic benefits of public transport and illustrates that when public transport schemes are integrated into economic development strategies, urban development and housing policies, education and employment strategies, as well as tourism, Freetown will be able to truly flourish.

NPPA Boss Presents 2018 Report to Pres. Bio & Dilates on Spending Analyses

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), Ibrahim Brima Swaray, on Monday 15 June 2020 presented the institution’s 2018 Annual Public Procurement Assessment Report to and updated His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on the country’s spending analyses. The presentation and update took place at State House.

The NPPA boss disclosed that over the years most of the time leakages in national spending emanated from procurement activities, adding that upon assumption of office he knew exactly what the Government wanted and how to go about it.

He continued that in line with global best practice they, as a regulatory body, are to ensure that Sierra Leone has a thorough spending analysis, adding that they were also mandated to regularly present to Parliament how they had monitored and regulated procurement activities across the country.

“This report has already been tabled in Parliament. It covers how monies were spent in 2018 by the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). We were able to dive into 134 MDAs for 2018. The 2019 process is on-going and we will ensure a detailed report is done. I assure you that year in year out this report is tabled to you and it will be tabled to Parliament. We are the protective arm in the fight against corruption because we prevent incidents from happening,” the NPPA boss intimated President Bio.

In his response, President Bio expressed how he was delighted to have the report because it was in line with his Government’s promise to provide effective and efficient running of State institutions and making sure that monies were properly spent. He commended the NPPA boss and team for their leadership in the New Direction, adding that that was a laudable move.

“I want to encourage you to make sure that due diligence is done and regulations are followed and people’s monies are well spent. The document gives a very clear indication as to where monies have been spent. It also helps in development planning and knowing how to block the leakages that have created so many challenges in this country,” he said.

The institution was established in 2004 to perform oversight functions and advise the Government of Sierra Leone on public procurement management, which is a significant means through which the Government meets its development needs, provides physical infrastructure and supplies essential goods and services.

NP-SL Ltd is Always Raising the Bar High

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is a thriving company that has made sterling progress within the petroleum landscape of the country. In order to set the bar high, the company has been remarkably doing so to the utmost satisfaction of its numerous customers in different parts of the country as its well experienced managerial teams over the years have been assiduously working to ensure that customers get the best in return for their monies’ worth.

Well known as the poor man’s company that places premium on 1st for Customer Care, NP-SL Ltd has been optimally delivering services that are well designed towards availing utmost satisfaction and giving the attention their customers require always instilling the belief that customers’ interests are really taken into consideration and culminating in factoring genuine decisions out of such concerns into its marketing chain.

Against such a background, the safety of customers are highly considered as seen in consistently cautioning them not to spark any naked flame, advised to switch off their mobile phones at Filling Stations, switch off vehicle engines while procuring fuel. All these precautionary advices are done within the context of protecting the company’s customers from any injurious incident that could be disastrous for the customers and the company.

In another dimension, the shareholders and Management of the company thought it prudent to purchase and install calibrated pumping machines at its various Filling Stations. These modern pumping machines are highly capable of displaying the exact quantity of fuel that a particular customer requests for as well as the price. If customers have expressed satisfaction with the high precision output of its machines it is simply because they give them the impression that transactions are really or truly transparent.

The petroleum marketing company stands tall within the business landscape of this country for effective and efficient implementation of the country’s Local Content Policy. This is a policy that puts premium on making use of local human and material resources in the chain of production and service delivery. Unless where there is no local option it will become preferable to make use of foreign alternatives.

In the light of the company’s preferential decision to offer jobs primarily to Sierra Leoneans as long as they have the requisite qualifications such a strictly adhered-to policy has greatly helped in the reduction of unemployment and availing the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved standards of living. Indeed, the company has been widely commended for doing so.

With the introduction of NP Smart Card, the process of purchasing fuel at NP Filling Stations has been made simple eliminating the use of physical cash. As long as the Smart Card has money in it, a particular customer can access a Filling Station, put in for the quantity of fuel required and when factored in the pumping machine the right quantity demanded for is then discharged with any balance remaining which could be used at a later date when another purchase is required to be made.

The greatest benefit is that it creates the possibility for a customer to properly budget for the amount of fuel that he or she intends to purchase over time, say for a week or a month. Besides, the use of NP Smart Card guarantees security for the holders as it has securitized features that cannot be easily falsified by any impostor or fraudster.

Many whom this medium interviewed recently in relation to the operations of NP-SL Ltd expressed the view that the company’s manufactured cooking gadget, known as NP Gas is a must to possess in terms of high speed performance. Besides, they opined that they find it safe to make use it as opposed to relying on wood or charcoal on the basis that NP Gas produces less hazardous gaseous emission that could be inimical to the health of individuals.

The product, it was reliably learnt, is easily refilled with gas that could be secured at any of the company’s Filling Stations and are manufactured in different cylinder sizes. Most of those talked with have recommended it as a very efficient and dependable product.

The company gained wide praises for steadily rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility on different fronts. Many have doffed their hats for the company when they realized that at a time like this when nations are grappling with the contention of taking strides to combat the spread of the coronavirus in the country the indigenous company donated the sum of one billion Leones to the Emergency Response Centre and by extension to the Government and People of Sierra Leone.

It is believed that the donation has gone a long way to help offset some of the financial constraints that the response team has to deal with in the fight to contain the spread of the virus nationwide.

It is also on record that the company has been supporting other worthy causes in the country under the same portfolio.

Indisputably, NP-SL Ltd has gained international recognition for establishing its branches in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. These branches are operating on the same footing as its parent body in prioritizing the local content policy. They are regularly paying taxes to the host Governments, the proceeds used to fund various development interventions.

The company is indeed held in high esteem for its tireless moves in ensuring that there is no scarcity of petroleum products in the country that could lead to serious economic dislocations.

This is no mean feat and it could be safely concluded that it is only a forward-looking and very pragmatic company like the NP-SL Ltd, which always raises the bar high that could stand tall like a Colossus, most times weathering the storm and always emerging unruffled. As far as it is known, the Shareholders and Management are all in top gear to continue to inject fine entrepreneurial initiatives with the avowed objective of catapulting the company to a higher pedestal. Indisputably, NP-SL Ltd is destined to go places as it continues to positively contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation.

Pavi Fort Boosts Port Loko District to Combat Spread of COVID-19

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a bid to ease the burden on Government in its strides to contain the spread of corona virus in the country, Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort road construction company, Alimu Barrie on Sunday 14th June 2020 provided support to the Port Loko DICORVERC with a 20 million Leones cheque, 120 bags of rice, 40 gallons of hand sanitizers, 5, 500 face masks, 7.5 million Leones cash, all totalling 120 million Leones.

The donation ceremony took place at the District Health Management Team office, at Kamaranka in Port Loko town.

Speaking to journalists, the Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Sierra Leone, explained that the 7.5 million Leones is meant to support local authorities within the district in their efforts to fight the spread of the virus in their communities.

Also, as part of his goodwill gesture to the people of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Lungi, CEO Barrie, handed over a 10 million Leones cheque,  2.5 million Leones cash, 50 bags of rice, 2,000 face masks worth 70 million Leones  as social mobilization support to contain the spread of the disease in that part of the country.

Speaking on behalf of residents of the   chiefdom in Lungi, the Chiefdom Speaker of Kaffu Bullom, Pa Komrabai Mellie Kamara thanked and praised the CEO for his support saying that it was a unique gesture to them as local authorities.

In his brief address, the CEO of Pavi Fort road construction company, Alimu Barrie said the aid formed part of his moves to give support to all the 16 districts in the company’s contributions to combat the spread of the virus in the country.

Regional Coordinator and Resident Minister North West, Haja Isata Kamara Forfanah and other local authorities including Paramount Chiefs said Pavi Fort construction company is the only local construction company that has rendered to them such a support.

The DICORVERC Coordinator in Port Loko, Moses Kamara described the support as encouraging further noting how it would go a long way to stop the spread of the corona virus in the country.

Dr. Songor Koedoyoma of the Port Loko DICORVERC, on his part, stated how the support came at the right time as they had already run out of face masks, sanitizers and logistics to contain the spread of the disease.

Pavi Fort Construction Company Sierra Leone has in the past weeks supported 11 districts with medical items, cash and other items worth over 1 billion Leones.

A similar venture will be undertaken next week by the Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Sierra Leone, Alimu Barrie, in order to cover the remaining 5 districts in the country.

In another development the Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort, Alimou Barrie on Saturday 13th June 2020, donated bags of rice, cash and Personal Protective Equipments worth millions of Leones, as well as a cheque to the Karene District Emergency Operational Centre (DICOVERC) through the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Alpha Wurie. This venture was made in the direction of scaling up the fight against the spread of the coronavirus in Karene District and considered as a good will gesture to complement the efforts of the Government and to aid the People of Karene District.

Alimou Barrie presented a cheque of Twenty Million Leones (Le20, 000,000), 80 bags of rice, 30 gallons of sanitizers and 5000 face masks to the District COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (DICOVERC) at Gbintie Town in Karene District. He clarified that the donation including cash, medical items and 80 bags of rice (50 kgs) worth 110 million Leones were meant to facilitate the work of the fight against the corona virus within their respective chiefdoms in the district.

It is on record that Pavi Fort Construction Company has stood by the side of the Government of Sierra Leone during trying times, as it did on August 14th 2017 when the mudslide occurred at Regent. The company was among those that donated relief items, which included five hundred bags of rice, Le25 million Leones and provided three excavators to clear the rubble and also built fifty two (52) houses at 6 Mile to address the housing problems faced by the victims in the aftermath of the mudslide incident.

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