Home Blog Page 1087

Christ Embassy Church Gives Relief to Vulnerable Persons

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On Thursday 28th May 2020 the Inner City Mission for Children under the Christ Embassy Church donated food items to hundreds of less-privileged, disabled, blind, pregnant women, youths and other disadvantaged people at the Regent Squire Municipal School on Lightfoot Boston Street in Freetown. Over 500 people received food items worth Le 30 million.

Aminata Shamit Koroma of the Directorate of Nutrition in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation revealed that the donation is a demonstration of the love and concern the church has for the poor and marginalized, especially during this global coronavirus pandemic and that the church is the body of Christ that has provided relief items to vulnerable groups.

She further observed that the donation is very important and thanked God for it stressing that it is part of Government support to vulnerable groups to combat the outbreak revealing that food is one of the pillars in Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and commended the church and its members for the gesture assuring that the food items would be judiciously utilized.

Aminata Shamit also appealed to the beneficiaries to strictly and always practice the preventive measures to curtail the spread of the virus.

On behalf of the Mayor, Mrs. Stella Mary Smith of the Social Services Department of the Freetown City Council expressed thanks and appreciation to the Christ Embassy Church for the gifts, that the Mayor has distributed facemasks and hand washing stations in all Peripheral Health Units in the city to contain the spread of the virus but observed that social distancing, especially in markets, is a major challenge.

The representative of the Sierra Leone Police Force revealed that the church has demonstrated love and care for the less-privileged and hoped other individuals and institutions would emulate the sterling example.

Councilor Mateneh Conteh of Constituency 125 said Christ Embassy Church is one of the biggest churches in the country and acclaimed it for the gifts.

Representatives of the Emergency Operations Center, the police, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the Freetown City Council and the councilor of Constituency 125 also made statements some of whom asserted that if the coronavirus does not infect one it would affect him/her and that the donation is a big gesture.

Most of the beneficiaries expressed thanks and appreciation to the church and its members for the donation.

Offering of prayers and distribution of the food items climaxed the event.

‘Ultra-Modern Entertainment Complex Soon to Boost Tourism…’ -Pres. Bio Discloses

President Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

In his address during the State Opening of the Third Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone on the 28th May 2020, President Julius Maada Bio, who is also Commander-In-Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, spoke on a wide range of issues.

The President stated that his Government has identified tourism as one of the clusters for increasing national revenue and job creation, and for achieving economic diversification highlighting that to compete as a unique and attractive Tourist destination, they have proclaimed new National Heritage Sites, restored existing sites, constructed jetties at riverine natural/cultural sites and declared several natural and cultural assets as protected areas, sites and property.

He said an Ultra-Modern entertainment complex will soon be constructed to showcase the talent of artists.

The President furthered that the recent “finish line” for the Budapest- Bamako-Freetown Rally coupled with increased tourist arrivals is sufficient indication that the perception of Sierra Leone as a tourist destination is changing for the better.

The President stated that said that irrespective of religion, ethnicity and region of origin if we come together with the global community, we shall combat and eliminate the coronavirus global pandemic.

The President commended healthcare service providers and all other frontline service providers who are working under challenging circumstances to ensure and assure the safety of their compatriots.

He said since his last address when he used that occasion to canvass all Sierra Leoneans to come together to move this country to the next level of admiration considerable progress has been made underscoring how they  have placed human capital development at the centre of development imperatives.

“Two million children, including girls, now have equal access to Free Quality Education, free teaching and learning materials, expanded healthcare services, school buses, and free school feeding in some areas,” the President intimated adding further that they have commenced preparation for a national dialogue on purposeful education that this country needs for future development and competitiveness in the global market.

He noted how they have strengthened the Sexual Offences Act and introduced tougher penalties for rape and gender-based violence, how they have broadened financial inclusion and social protection for women, vulnerable populations and put more women at the centre of governance, the security forces, and in the justice sector.

President Bio said they have recruited and trained more healthcare workers; built and refurbished more healthcare centres and hospitals; introduced a dedicated means of delivering healthcare service delivery across the country. They are expanding energy access throughout the country, constructing more roads and bridges at far lower costs than before this time, and providing more water treatment and supply facilities in all areas of the country.

He divulged how his Government has launched the medium-term National Development Plan, increased domestic revenue mobilisation, eased tax burdens on businesses, and introduced business-friendly policies and processes as well as reviewing agreements and laws that will maximise benefit from our natural resources.

“Since COVID-19 struck, our Quick Action Economic Recovery Plan has ensured the provision of essential commodities and support for SMEs and vulnerable populations. We have undertaken extensive public sector and governance reforms, including merit-based recruitment of Civil Servants, without regard to tribe, region of origin or religious belief,” he stated.

The President revealed that the Medium-Term National Development Plan for 2019-2023 highlights an integrated commitment to transform the Sierra Leone economy pointing out that it is a commitment to deliver on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 7 Aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063.

He talked on how they have developed monitoring and evaluation mechanisms that will enhance transparency and accountability saying his Government will strengthen its public performance management and service delivery mechanisms.

President Bio thanked development partners for supporting development financing and service delivery in the country saying as a result of our largely productive partnerships they have been able to record some favourable welfare indices and increased our ranking in the United Nations Human Development Index.

He said the Ministry of Finance continues to implement bold economic policies and public financial management reforms to stabilize the macroeconomic fundamentals, tackle structural impediments, and boost economic activity noting that before COVID-19, economic growth had recovered, and was increasing at an impressive rate.

“Inflation had eased down 4 percentage points to 13.9 percent by the end of December 2019, with a projected return to single digits by 2021. Although exchange rates depreciated slightly due to low levels of exports, there is a decrease in the overall budget deficits, and an increase in Gross international reserves. Government continues to strengthen its fiscal consolidation efforts as domestic revenues continue to increase while expenditures remain within budgetary limits,” he mentioned.

He said tax administration reforms, taxpayer education; monitoring of taxpayer compliance among other reforms account for increased domestic revenues.

According to him the expenditure controls have also helped keep total expenditure within budget stating how the Government has also strengthened fiduciary oversight of State-Owned Enterprises and strengthened the management of fiscal risks.

He said the establishment of the Wages and Compensation Commission is far advanced and the draft Bill has been submitted to Cabinet for approval saying the Commission will address equity in pay and compensation and also harmonise the various pension laws in the Public Service.

President Bio said the Ministry of Finance has strengthened the Internal Audit Function and has laid the 2020 Procurement Regulations before Parliament for ratification maintaining that in the medium-term, Government is working on implementing an electronic procurement system.

He stated that to improve service delivery and enhance process efficiency, NASSIT is replacing its current integrated Biometrics Registration System (BRS) referred to as NAPOS II, with a fully functional Web-Based Integrated Biometric Pension Administration System.

The President said for the third successive year, his Government has increased healthcare budget allocations from 7% in 2018 to 10.5% in 2019 and 11% in 2020 stating how Cabinet has approved $19.8 Million for the construction of a National Diagnostic and Radiotherapy Cancer Treatment Centre with modern facilities.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, with support from the Boosting Agriculture and Food Security Project, has finalized the development of Cocoa, Coffee and Cashew Policies to support the advancement of the tree crops sector.

“In 2020, Government will support the Ministries of Youth Affairs, Defence, as well as the Correctional Services and the Local Councils to establish institutional farms across the country as part of the drive to boost rice production and productivity in order to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the country,” he stated adding that another major area of intervention in the agricultural sector is the promotion of animal production which will improve nutrition and provide increased incomes for livestock farmers saying Government has renovated the Teko Central Veterinary laboratory and equipped same with modern laboratory facilities for the diagnosis of a majority of the endemic animal diseases prevalent in the country.

He said with the support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is also conducting a comprehensive fish stocks assessment in Sierra Leone for three years.

President Bio disclosed that the Petroleum Directorate ran a robust licensing round for Sierra Leone’s open offshore acreage saying the process, which attracted 6 international oil and gas companies, was commended by the international oil and gas industry as open, transparent, and credible.

He noted that two companies (Cluff Energy and Innoson Oil and Gas) were selected and awarded provisional Petroleum licenses, after meeting the technical, financial, and commercial requirements set out for the issuance of exploration license for operating in Sierra Leone’s deep water basin.

He said the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the National Minerals Agency, has also reviewed standard procedures for all negotiations and agreements between mineral rights holders and local communities through a model community development agreement.

The President noted that more artisanal licenses have been issued with the impact of increased productivity and employment. In addition to the large-scale mining licenses granted, it is expected that operational mines will provide jobs for over 15,000 Sierra Leoneans by the end of 2020 stating how they are now formulating the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2020).

He said his Government has started implementing the Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project, a $50 million project that will provide buses, bus terminals, dedicated bus routes, and significantly improve service quality and travel experience for commuters in Freetown.

The President also stated that the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation) (SLBC) has extended coverage, targeting 10 community radio stations in rural communities, to complement SLBC coverage in some areas including Falaba District.

He further stated that Government is committed to upscaling Sierra Leone’s performance at Doing Business Reforms and has set up a technical committee comprising policy makers and development partners.

He revealed how a Guinean based Company, is targeting to invest over 20 Million USD in establishing a Flour Mill in Sierra Leone with a capacity of 2,500 metric tonnes a day stating how they also have a long-term goal of setting up a factory to manufacture machinery for baking among other issues he talked about.

Vickie Remoe Raises Le380M to Support COVID-19 Fight

Vickie Remoe, social media influencer, and Communications Expert

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Vickie Remoe, social media influencer, and Communications Expert has raised a whopping 380 Million Leones (38,000 $) in response to a call by health workers fighting to save lives of COVID-19 patients in treatment facilities in Sierra Leone.

Also a journalist, entrepreneur and TV host of the Vickie Remoe show has in a bid to play a vital role to the development of her country’s Health System during the current global pandemic of COVID-19 when the invisible enemy has exhausted and depleted the Health Systems of first world countries and now prowling and ravaging the Health Systems of low-income countries, the hard-working, smart and intelligent Go Woman has stood firm to voluntarily initiate a C19 Dignity Project to alleviate some of the struggles hospitals in the country are facing during this scourge.

”The C19 Project is a 100 % volunteer, and a citizen-led community mobilization COVID-19 relief set up by TV host and a journalist in response to a Facebook post by doctors seeking urgent help for isolation unit at Connaught Hospital,” a statement explained.

Vickie who is amongst the top five most influential Social Media gurus in Sierra Leone according to a Swit-Salone report published in June 2019 manifests her prowess on the Media by sourcing funds for this project which has been valued at 380 Million Leones (38,000 $) in just three weeks.

The Communications Specialist rallied to businesses, private individuals and institutions online and in cash to raise these funds for the country’s Health System.

“All Sierra Leoneans deserve to be treated in facilities that are clean, and well equipped. And all of our front liners need to be able to work
with the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have all the tools and medication, they need to save lives,” Remoe stated.

The money raised has so far provided medication, foodstuff, cleaning, and sanitation equipment to over five hospitals of around 300 beds.

Transparency and accountability is an essential aspect of any project, however, the C19 Dignity Project has published three statements of accounts that gave details of all the funds received, funds spent, and what it was spent on. Ms. Remoe is not a politician, a Parliamentarian, Government Minister, but she has depicted true patriotism to her country which is truly exemplary leadership that is worth emulating.

Remoe initially set up the fundraiser expecting to bridge the gap until the EOC was up to full speed. But as COVID-19 spreads, the project has continued to receive requests for urgent support from doctors across the country,who are still struggling to access supplies to treat confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients.

NATCOM’s Sound Managerial Initiatives Saves Govt. Billions of Leones

Daniel Kaitibi, Director General of the National Telecommunications Commission, (NATCOM)

By Amin Kef Sesay

Sierra Leone’s telecommunications regulator, the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) was established by an Act of Parliament and charged with responsibilities including  regulating the Telecoms industry, especially Mobile Network Operators (MNO’s).

Besides, the institution also has the mandate to generate the much needed resources for Government in order to contribute in capacitating the latter to deliver on its social contract with the people especially on its priority areas such as the Free Quality Education program, universal health care, sustainable energy, food sufficiency and providing critical infrastructure.

Over the past week, NATCOM has gone under intense and unfair criticism by some section of the Media and Civil Society. They are claiming that the Commission has not done enough to save the masses from rogue Mobile Network Operators.

However, from an in-depth and critical research conducted it came out glaringly that contrary to what critics have been propagating that the Commission’s actions have led to an increase in tariff by the Mobile Network Operators there has been no increase in tariff. The  MNO’s are still charging customers the same fee for both voice call and data.

Another thing that the research outcome demystified was that it is not true that there will no longer be promotions since as a matter of fact the promotions are ongoing. It must be highlighted at this juncture that the Telecoms industry is highly competitive and one of the ways of wooing more subscribers is to have promotions ongoing.

During the tenure of the erstwhile political administration, in 2016 NATCOM introduced a price ceiling/cap at Le. 650 per minute of voice call which was supported by the 2016 Finance Act. It is against such a backdrop that there was the need for a floor price which has been instituted by the current officials of NATCOM.

It must be noted that recently other countries have introduced floor prices in order to shift from intense competition to Quality of Service, innovation and increase coverage/connectivity.

To promote the national interest it was prudent to introduce the floor price by the current regulator simply because the floor price protects New Entrants in the sector and less giant MNO as they cannot sustain price war for too long.

It is on record that Five (5) MNOs before this time now have gone out of business because of lack of floor price and these are Datatel, Comium, Millicom, Tigo and SMART.

The research undertaken by this medium revealed that huge amounts of money could be lost in taxes from the Telecoms Sector due to the absence of floor price. It must be against such a background that NATCOM acted swiftly and timely by introducing a floor price and do what is right for the sector, consumers, Government and the regulator.

It was revealed that before the introduction of the floor price, taxes to the National Revenue Authority (NRA) dropped by more than 73% from 15 Billion Leones a month to a little under 4 Billion Leones.

It may interest us as a nation to note that other countries have introduced a systematic increase in tariff to achieve their development goals.

Though it was understood that other countries have systematically increased their tariffs, NATCOM has refused to do so but rather introduce a floor price which is in the nation’s best interest.

Indeed, all those recent good initiatives by NATCOM could be attributed to the Board and Management especially the Director General, Daniel B. Kaitibie.

Media Experts Dilate on Guaranteeing Journalists Safety

By Amin Kef Sesay

Journalists have been recognized for playing instrumental roles during critical moments as it is with the COVID-19 pandemic. They serve as critical conduits for the provision of needed public health education and information that help people to stay healthy and safe. At the same time, they help hold Governments accountable on how they respond to the crises and how they utilise resources meant for tackling the crises.

Despite their crucial role, journalists have often been the subjects of threats, attacks, arbitrary arrests and detention in some cases even murder. The COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened the plight of journalists. Besides dealing with the trauma of putting themselves at risk of contracting the virus, acts of COVID-19 related violence against journalists across West Africa have been on the rise.

In Nigeria alone, more than 20 journalists have been victims of COVID-19 related abuses in the last 10 weeks. Similar forms of violations have been recorded in nearly all countries in the region albeit at a lesser scale to that of Nigeria.

To help deal with the serious implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the media environment in West Africa, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has commenced a series of webinars to seek expert views and proposed solutions to the challenges.

The first in the series of webinars was held on Thursday May 21, 2020, under the topic: “Safety of Journalists and COVID-19 in Anglophone West Africa.”

The Speakers at the webinar were Francis Sowa, Chairman of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Sierra Leone; Lanre Arogundale, Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), Nigeria; and George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission (NMC), Ghana. The discussion was moderated by Executive Director of the MFWA, Sulemana Braimah and featured journalists, media academics, activists and union leaders as participants.

Speaking about the situation in Sierra Leone, Francis Sowa explained that a State of Emergency in the country meant to stop the spread of the virus was curtailing freedoms of citizens including journalists who were unable to move freely to gather information He highlighted the launch of a corona response committee by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) as one measures that was helping to mitigate the impact of the situation on journalists.

Touching on the relationship between media and security agencies in the context of COVID-19, Sowa said the rapport with the security agencies only existed at the higher level that is at the high command of the security agencies.

“In case of Ghana what we can say for sure is that we have largely experienced a free environment for the practice of journalism,” said George Sarpong of Ghana’s NMC. He however acknowledged a few incidents of attacks on journalists in some parts of the country.

Sarpong added that in an attempt to curb fake news during the pandemic, the security agencies in Ghana had wanted to “rely on a provision in the Electronic Communications Act, to, as it were, seek to arrest and prosecute people who engage in the spread of false information.” He emphasised that in a public health crisis, there is a tendency to overlook human rights in the protection of public health but this should not be comprised.

On Nigeria, Lanre Arogundale of the IPC, said the press freedom space in the country was already shrinking before the outbreak of the pandemic. He said it appeared security forces took advantage of the lockdown imposed on some cities in the country to abuse journalists.

He noted that violations against journalists came from many directions including terrorists, officers of security agencies, State Governors, among others.

Arogundade attributes several of the incidents of abuse to, among others, state security authorities acting on the orders of political players. “It’s this political attitude that has informed the conducts of the security agents when they are relating with journalists. That explains why despite the fact that journalists have been recognised as frontline workers they were still being prevented from moving during the curfew just a couple of days ago,” he said.

The big question was what can be done to halt the abuses against journalists in the region? The panel of experts shared the following recommendations:

Collaboration: There should be strong collaboration among media support organisations, state agencies and other actors to collectively tackle abuses against journalists. Such collaboration must involve regional and sub-regional bodies such as the AU and ECOWAS. There must be a collective position and voice speaking against abuses against journalists at all times.

Analysis and Frameworks: There is a need for a regional analysis of the impact of the pandemic on journalists’ safety and the overall media environment and coming up with a regional strategic framework for responding to the impact.

Strengthening relations between media and security agencies: Efforts must be made to strengthen relations between journalists and security forces in the respective countries to stem the tide of rampant attacks on journalists by security personnel. Such an effort need to include capacity building for both journalists and security officials on their respective roles in the efforts to contain the pandemic.

Facilitative regulatory Approach: Media regulatory bodies need to move towards a more facilitative and conciliatory approach to media regulation, that enables smooth collaboration with the media industry to ensure free, open, and sustained democratic media.

Capacity building: There should be rigorous capacity building for journalists on how to professionally cover the pandemic while staying safe. Such capacity building will include dealing with fake news and misinformation.

Support for media institutions: Governments and other actors should offer a safety support to media organisations.

Tourism Minister’s Humanitarian Gestures Applauded by Beneficiaries

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt

By Amin Kef Sesay

Residents of Constituency 124, which is within the Leicester Road Community have heartily hailed the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt for her kind donations offered before and on Saturday 23rd May, 2020.

The result-oriented Tourism Minister donated fifty bags of rice to various stakeholders including religious leaders, groups and other constituents in Constituency 124.
The kind gesture from the Minister on the eve of Prayday was one of the many gestures she has been rendering to Muslims in Freetown during the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan as well as in the last ten days of fasting.

It was noted that the donations of the Minister really cut across party lines and went even beyond Constituency 124 and were geared towards giving iftar to Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

Apart of the aforementioned donations of essential food items the Minister has been contributing towards the fight against the spread and prevention of coronavirus by donating preventive materials to various communities in the central district of Freetown.

Besides, the Minister donated Veronica Buckets and bars of soap as well as a megaphone during Ramadan to raise awareness and sensitize people about the dos and don’ts of the coronavirus in the country.

Constituents of Constituency 124 thanked the Minister for her humanitarian gesture and prayed that the Almighty God will protect her in all her endeavours.

In the last two years since His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio envisioned that the country’s tourism sector should become a pillar of the nation’s socio-economic development, a lot of work has been done by the current Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to enhance tourism  in partnership with its tourist promotion agency, the National Tourist Board.

The result showed quickly in the country’s tourist arrivals which were not more than 10, 000 in 2018 moving quickly up to over 100, 000 visitors by early 2020, with the sector contributing tens of millions of dollars to the national coffer.

In consolidating the gains made, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and Statistics Sierra Leone launched the National Tourism Census on Monday January 13, 2020 with the primary aim of placing the country’s tourism marketing in a very good position.

Funded by the Government of Sierra Leone, the Report would contribute to the advancement of tourism in the nation by providing real-time information on touristic resources around the country. After years in the doldrums, tourism in Sierra Leone has become the most dynamic and fastest growing industry. It is an aggregate of many different industries and services, and is influenced by almost every facet of society.

Sierra Leone expects economic and social benefits from tourism development such as: –Foreign exchange earnings, development of areas with no other immediate possibilities of expanding economic activity, creation of employment opportunities, boost for the local production of the goods and services consumed by the tourists, tax revenue for the State, integration of national cultures and societies and safeguarding of the national cultural identity from foreign culture influences, reasonable returns on investment in the sector, promotion of the true image of the country to attract holidaymakers and foreign entrepreneurs as part of the drive to step up international political and economic cooperation.

Other economic and social benefits  to be expected include encouraging fair distribution of national income and creating new markets for consumer goods,  providing additional infrastructure and amenities that will encourage and support the tourist industry as well as benefit local and national interests
It is in pursuit of these benefits that the Government of Sierra Leone identified tourism as a priority sector for development – thus tourism has now become the largest contributor to the economy of Sierra Leone after mining and agriculture.

COVID-19: Emergency Powers and Constitutional Limits

Covid-19

By Amin Kef Sesay

Our country is in a national State of Emergency over COVID-19. We noticed that even though the President, in announcing the emergency in March categorically stated that constitutional rights are not revoked or restricted, we see some of these been eroded by some State institutions – For example, the fiat being prepared by the Attorney General to make COVID-19 spending non-accountable.

The people maintain that an emergency does not allow either the Government or State institutions to grant themselves any new powers. The Government is still one of enumerated powers, and the State cannot act arbitrarily.

The Constitution provides that no person may be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. Procedural due process requires certain procedures before a law is applied, such as notice or the opportunity to be heard. Substantive due process looks at the validity of the law being applied.

Whether a specific Governmental action is constitutional will largely depend on particular circumstances. Most importantly, States generally retain the power to make laws for the purpose of protecting the health, safety and welfare of its people.

That said, the existence of the emergency may justify limiting the scope of certain rights, at least on a temporary basis.

Thus, we can understand when pursuant to the emergency declaration by the President schools have been closed; public gatherings of a certain size are banned, etc. However, when people are detained for unreasonably long periods without trial or denied bail, it raises questions.

As the American Supreme Court has said, “an emergency may not call into life a power which has never lived,” but “emergency may afford a reason for the exertion of a living power already enjoyed.”

In other words, by declaring a national or State emergency, the Government cannot grant itself any new power. Rather, the emergency declaration allows Governments to unlock powers that normally lie dormant.

Pavi Fort Disburses Le120M to Fight COVID-19

The Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Construction Company Sierra Leone, Alimou Sanu Barrie handing over the fifty Million Leones Cheque to the Technical Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response Team, Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr

By Amin Kef Sesay

Pavi Fort Construction Company Sierra Leone on the 27th May, 2020 donated the sum of fifty million Leones (Le50, 000,000) and PPEs items including 5,000 face mask, 100 gallons of hand sanitizer (1 gallon) worth a total of Le, 120,000,000 to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in a bid to complement Government’s efforts geared towards combating COVID-19 in the country. The handing over ceremony took place at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) situated at SLFA compound in Kingtom, Freetown.

Presenting the items to the EOC, the Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Construction Company Sierra Leone, Alimou Sanu Barrie, expressed appreciation to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for the dogged efforts they have been putting towards the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, adding that as a construction company they decided to donate the sum of fifty million Leones (Le50, 000,000) as well as the PPEs items.

He said that resource mobilization is very key towards the fight against the COVID-19 underscoring how he believes that such a support from the company could be helpful especially at this decisive moment, adding that in totality the company donated Le, 120,000,000 which includes the Le. 50,000,000 cheque presented and the PPEs.

He admonished all to adhere to the preventive measures put out by the Government and health workers in order to curtail the spread of the virus in the country saying such will enhance the country’s potency to have an upper hand over COVID-19.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Government, Technical Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response Team, Brigadier General Professor Foday Sahr, on behalf of the EOC National Coordinator Rtd, Brigadier Hassan Kellie Conteh extended thanks and appreciation to the Pavi Fort Construction Company Sierra Leone for what he said is a timely donation, adding that in the fight against COVID-19 nothing is too small.

He assured them that the cash donation, hand sanitizers & face masks will be used by the right beneficiaries and for the intended purposes.

He called on other institutions in the country to follow the foot step of Pavi Fort noting that the fight against COVID-19 needs collective action.

It could be recalled that Pavi Fort Construction Company has stood by the side of the Government of Sierra Leone during trying times citing August 14th 2017 when the mudslide occurred at Regent saying 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 saying it was really a timely response.

Cross section of the PPEs presented to the EOC

Why Do Most People Go for NP-SL Petroleum Products?

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd).

By Amin Kef Sesay

Right on top of the petroleum marketing companies operating in the country is the National Petroleum (NP) SL Limited which has been commended for exceedingly doing well and positively contributing towards the socio-economic development of the nation in diverse ways. Blessed with a result- oriented managerial team, guided by an efficient Board, the company keeps growing from strength to strength amidst teething challenges it had been and is still facing.

Owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans, originally thirty five (35) of them who were the founding fathers, the company started from a humble beginning to become one of the towering successful business ventures that now has Filling Stations in different parts of the country and branches in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where it is efficiently marketing petroleum products and at the same time offering various services all geared towards satisfying the petroleum needs of individuals and institutions.

One good thing which NP-SL has mastered over the years and for which it has etched a sound name in the sands of time is that which has to do with effective customer care delivery, earning it the good reputation of 1st for Customer Care.

At all times the company’s shareholders and managers ensure that the petroleum needs of individuals and institutions are timely met in a very transparent manner. It is against such a backdrop that the company invested in the importation and installation of latest calibrated pumping machines that exactly pump the right quantity of petroleum product, be it petrol or diesel that is demanded for and at the same time display the prices. With these state of the art calibrated machines the fear of the company’s esteemed customers of being cheated by pump attendants is always allayed giving them the confidence that they are dealing with a trusted business entity.

Still within the realm of giving optimal satisfaction through good customer care, the company has always entertained recommendations and swiftly responded to concerns raised. Some of these recommendations are taken into consideration when formulating policies.

The 100% indigenous company has been steadily adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy which makes provision to give preference to Sierra Leoneans when it comes to employment. It is indeed a laid down policy on the part of the company to employ Sierra Leoneans instead of considering giving jobs to foreigners. Such a policy has helped greatly and still continues to do so with regards poverty alleviation. Gainfully employed, these Sierra Leoneans are now at vantage positions to financially take care of personal and family responsibilities which hitherto they were unable to do as a result of being unemployed.

To simplify transactions at the company’s Filling Stations it was thought prudent to introduce what is now fast becoming popular, NP Smart Card. With this latest innovative device customers can procure petroleum products at ease making it possible to avoid moving around with huge amounts of money. This is very much important when cognizance is taken of personal safety, security and having to make periodic withdrawals from the Bank in order to have money out of which petroleum products could be bought.

Still with the view of optimizing customer care, the company introduced a cooking device, NP Gas, which is easy to use and has a high performance in terms of quickness as well as being environmentally friendly as it is less hazardous. There are different cylinders of NP Gas and they could be procured at the company’s various Filling Stations all going at affordable prices

To make things further simpler the company operates mini marts at some of its Filling Stations where individuals could buy provisions and other basic items. Such, most times save individuals from the hassle of having to go to supermarkets in town to get those basic items.

Mending and changing of vehicle tyres are sometimes done at Filling Stations. These are services that are very much important as they make it possible for drivers to be on the move.

It has been well established that NP-SL imports and markets high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, lubricants, gas etc. Indeed the company is exceptionally doing so well with precision and in timely ways that gives utmost satisfaction to many. It truly deserves the accolade: 1st For Customer Care.

Orange Winner Bags Le75 M Worth of Business

By Foday Moriba Conteh

With the objective of reinforcing their commitment and putting smiles on the faces of their subscribers, one of Sierra Leone’s leading GSM Mobile operators, Orange Sierra Leone, has on Thursday 28th May, 2020 handed over 75 Million Leones worth of business, which specifically is a provision shop, to Hassan Conteh who was one of the 6 lucky winners of their end of year promotion called “Cha-Cha di Holiday”. The handing over ceremony took place at Regent Road, Grafton in the Western Area Rural District.

Giving his welcome address, an official of the Orange Marketing Department, Mohamed Turay, disclosed that in November 2019, Orange launched the end of year promotion called“Cha-Cha di Holiday” which lasted for 6 weeks.

He noted that two weeks back they handed over 75 Million Leones worth of business to one Alpha Fofanah in Bo and on the 28th May 2020  they also handed over 75 Million Leones worth of business to Hassan Conteh in Grafton. Hassan was the second lucky winner.

Handing over the business to Hassan Conteh, Mass Marketing and Bundles Executive Orange-SL, Sheikh Omaru Jalloh, disclosed that the promotion was geared towards reinforcing their commitment and putting smiles on the faces of their subscribers, adding that during the period of the “Cha-Cha di Holiday” promotion, 6 customers won a business of their choice worth 75 million Leones and other customers won cash prizes worth over 400 million Leones across the country.

He also reiterated that two weeks back they handed over 75 million Leones worth of business to Alpha Fofanah in Bo, noting that as a company they are committed to ensure that they impact the lives of their subscribers across the country through their promotions. He said whatever they say will surely be accomplished. He handed over the 75 Million Leones worth of business as a fulfillment of their commitment as a company.

He applauded the Management of the company for their tireless efforts in actualizing the purpose of the promotion which he said will completely change the lives of these winners.

He encouraged all to support Hassan Conteh by doing shopping at his business place saying he will be doing all Orange transactions which include Orange-Money, Top Up Recharge etc.

Hassan Conteh, the second lucky winner expressed gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for finally handing over the 75 Million Leones worth of business to him which he described as a timely intervention considering the current situation in the country.

He said when he was called during the promotion that he had won a business worth 75 Million Leones it came as a shock to him disclosing how he was one of those subscribers who has always doubted the process but said that with what Orange has manifested it shows that it is the best telecommunication company in the country as it is a “Tok En Do” mobile company in the country.

He said with the new business, his life, financial status and cash flow will change for good, adding that with these promotions poverty could be reduced in the country.

He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to see Orange as their GSM Mobile Company in the country that cares for the welfare of its esteemed customers.

1...1,0861,0871,088...1,360Page 1,087 of 1,360