Home Blog Page 736

2022 Supplementary Budget Stands at Over 1 Trillion Leones

June 27, 2022

After an extensive debate, Parliament on the 24^th June, 2022 unanimously approved a Bill entitled, “The Supplementary Appropriation Act 2022” for the services and development of Sierra Leone.

The bill seeks to make revisions and supplementary provisions for the services and development of Sierra Leone for the year 2022.

The Supplementary Budget is estimated at: One Trillion, Four Hundred and Sixteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Two Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Six Thousand, Four Hundred Leones (Le 1,416,902,266,400).

In his submission, the Minister of Finance, Denis K. Vandy, said that the National Budget was predicated on COVID-19 recovery, but unprecedentedly, the war broke out in Ukraine causing a rise in the price of stocks among others. The Minister reiterated that the sharp rise in global prices has affected the domestic economy and went on to explain other reasons.

He spoke about support from donors including World Bank, IMF, and other institutions around the world. The Minister spoke about the projection.

Highlighting the key objective in light of the macro economy, the Minister recalled and referred to the projection of the world economy and the slowdown of growth in the African Region and the world at large, coupled with inflation rates. He emphasized higher food prices and fuel.

Speaking on the exchange rate and depreciation, the Minister noted and aligned with global prices, revenue drop, and the impact of the Ukraine/Russia War. The Minister told Parliament that the Government is mitigating several measures to cushion poor livelihoods and other matters. He also spoke about other related efforts by the Government.

The Minister further spoke on the reasons for the Bill emphasizing that the Supplementary Budget would add to the already existing National Budget. He pointed at the various MDAs that are expected to benefit from the Budget ranging from Agriculture, Health, Defence, Road Maintenance Fund, the Police, and Salaries and Wages Commission, as well as Energy, are among others that would be supplemented.

He spoke about the hike in food prices as well as the rise in the exchange rate. The Minister informed that recruitment of more health workers, teachers amongst others, was also in line with the supplement. He thanked President Bio for his guidance and the Vice President and Cabinet as well as his team and staff members. He extended gratitude to the development partners for their continuous support to the Government and the people of Sierra Leone.

The Budget, he said, is a continuation of the National Budget. The Minister informed that the Supplementary Budget is largely coming from donor funding, but the Government he said would augment it with domestic revenue.

Debating on the Budget, the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Hon Francis Amara Kai-Samba advised his colleague MPs to confine their debate on Standing Order 69, 3, which he said speaks to the matter before the House. He said they are pretty sure that money would be available to address the emerging issues.

According to him, the Minister of Finance had given reasons for the Supplementary Budget and related challenges. He expressed the view that the Minister stated various institutions that would benefit from the Supplementary Budget and also public debts management, salaries, and wages among others. He also cited development activities.

The Chairman of Agriculture Committee in Parliament, Hon. Salieu Osman Sesay, while contributing informed that the bread and butter issue that was stated in the National Budget is no longer revealed as was earlier promised. He stated that the economy is in shambles and raised concern that, bringing the Supplementary Budget would cause more inflation.

The MP went on to urge the Minister to explain, if the Supplementary Budget would not increase food prices and affect the cost of living, alarming the cost of fuel. He used the opportunity to ask the Government to subsidize the fuel price for the people and went on to say some MDAs have not benefited from the previous budget that was approved, adding that, the Supplementary Budget is so huge. He indicated that the energy sector will receive more from the Supplementary Budget than it was in the previous budget. He decried the Road Maintenance Fund for not implementing projects properly as contractors are not doing well-recalling instances. He asked for an effective monitoring process on projects implemented.

He used the opportunity to advance justification for the Supplementary Budget and went on to inform that the good things in the economy are not reflected on the people.

The Chairman of the Technical and Higher Education Committee in Parliament, Hon. Mohamed Lansana described the Supplementary Budget as a good document and commended the previous speaker for his contribution, and gave indicators of areas that are going to benefit including recruitment, salaries, and wages. According to him, the revenue i expected to increase, “We are confident that total collection would increase at the end of the year,” he stated.

He used the opportunity to ask the Minister to extend provisions in the Supplementary Budget to the newly approved universities. He thanked the Minister and team for ensuring proactive measures that would ameliorate the economic situation.

Rounding up the debate, the Leader of Opposition, Hon Chernor RM. Bah said they know that the economy is challenged and that the Minister was sincere enough to say it. He said they should not play politics with the budget while asking the Minister to clarify concerns raised by previous speakers. “What is important is to ensure that the budget works,” he stated and went on to ask the Ministry of Finance to continue to engage Parliament on the challenges on time and not when they have gone beyond control.

The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma said the Supplementary Budget is an addendum and commended the team from the Ministry for their foresight to the economy. He spoke about the reasons for the Supplementary Budget and other related challenges on the globe using comparative analysis of inflation, compounded with the Ukraine/Russia war. He said it was better for all and sundry to address the problem, supporting the harmonization of the Wage Bill. He emphasized economically solve problems and commended the Minister. He spoke about the prediction of food shortage and the Government’s subsidies to Agriculture in order to ameliorate food security.. He spoke about policy to support farmers in light of food security, and asked all to proffer solutions.

The Minister in his response to queries raised by the MPs said that he will continue to engage the Leadership. “Your submissions are held in high consideration,” he informed and assured Parliament of a good working relationship.

LAJ Says he is Innocent & Appeals to Fans for Calm

June 27, 2022

Alhaji Amadu Bah aka Boss LAJ, who was arrested on June 12 by the Police for allegations of ‘robbery with violence’ against pump attendants, has had his message to his fans shared on his Facebook account on the 24^th June 2022.

In his message, the rapper expressed his appreciation for the support from his fans, the media, civil society, and the general public for his arbitrary arrest and violations of his human rights by the State.

Boss LAJ assured his fans that he is innocent of all charges against him and he looks forward to a fair trial, while calling for calm among his supporters.

The Rapper has been in detention without a bail after two appearances in court. He is expected to appear in court on the 28th of June.

His message to fans and well-wishers was shared on his Facebook account on Friday:

From King Boss La (Capitano Laj)

“My fellow Sierra Leoneans,”

“Following my arrest and detention on 12th June 2022, I have been very pleased with the wide condemnation by numerous sections against the police for abuses directed against my human rights.”

“I wish to thank all Sierra Leoneans, civil society and human rights activists who have spoken out openly against the unjust and unfair way my Human Rights have been violated. I want to assure the public that all the allegations against me including charges of robbery with violence are false. My lawyers are actively working on this, and I pray that I get a fair trial and a chance to prove my innocence. I am desperate to see this matter conclude because I know I am innocent. My next court date is 28th June 2022.”

“I want to assure all Sierra Leoneans that I am a peace-loving Sierra Leonean and despite all the pains I am enduring, I request all my fans to remain calm and respect the peace.”

“I also thank my family and my legal team for standing strongly by me both in and out of court and for ensuring that I defend myself against these wild allegations. The truth will surely last.”

“Please continue to follow my favourite Housemate on AYV Channel 399. Vote for Karafilo, Housemate #23 TTD.”

God bless you all!

Freetown Waste Transformers to Digitalize Waste Management Collection

June 27, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts towards strengthening and modernizing the waste management sector by providing support to digitalized waste management activities and processes across the city, the Freetown Waste Transformers SL LTD, in partnership with the Freetown City Council, through the Office of the Mayor of Freetown, the Waste Collection Management Association has held a one day event on Strengthening Capacity of Waste Collectors through TECH. The ceremony was held at the Freetown City Hall in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the Freetown Waste Transformers SL LTD, Aminata Dumbuya Jarr, informed pressmen that the adoption of Information, Communication Technology (ICT), through a grant from the GSMA Innovation Fund, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will help deliver a tailored mobile application solution.

She informed all that the organization held a two day town hall meeting for waste collectors in order source their opinions with regards the digitalization of waste management collection in the country, furthering that from the information got were analyzed by the IT team and from that point they developed the first iteration of the digital mobile application. Aminata Dumbuya Jarr added that the event was geared towards bringing waste collectors together in order to take a look at the application and also do a test case of the application.

“The move by the organization is to ensure that we digitalize waste collection in the country. We are all aware that the world is going digital so we intend to carry Sierra Leoneans through that digital transformation and that after completion the application will be utilized in Freetown in order to collect waste through Tech in the country,” Aminata Dumbuya Jarr expressed optimism.

The Chief Executive Officer, MeDomot Incorporation, Joseph Jawah Kebbie, said MeDomot Incorporation is a Sierra Leone based Information Communications Technology firm which will deliver on the development of the application adding that it is a result of findings from a report that aims to develop and highlight specific recommendations to addressing the needs and challenges in the waste management sector.

He said with the mobile application, waste collectors with Smartphones will be able to do waste pickups using the application and that Sierra Leoneans using Smartphones who also want their waste to be collected can login into the application and be able to locate waste collectors within their various communities.

The CEO further informed all that the application will have features of tracking waste collectors and the waste collectors will in turn be able to see waste collection schedules within their localities.

“Currently we are doing test cases of the application and we are hoping to officially launch the mobile application by the end of this year. But before that we have equipped our waste collectors as to the use of the mobile application,” he concluded.

On his part, the Program Coordinator for Solid Waste Micro Enterprise Program at the Freetown City Council, Augustine Kamara revealed that the development of the waste collection mobile application is in line with the Council’s Transform Freetown Initiative.

He pointed out that having such an application is a welcome idea in order to address issues related to waste collection within the Freetown Municipality.

The Coordinator of Block Seven at Waste Collection Management Association, James Robert, commended the Freetown Waste Transformers SL Ltd for the development of the waste collection mobile application which he described as a laudable venture.

He said that with the introduction of the application it will definitely support their work as waste collectors.

After statements were made, a presentation of the Needs Assessment Report, software demonstration & flow chart presentation on the application and live demonstration of the prototype, software testing, discussions and feedback from participants followed.

Basita Michael Urges Minister of Mines & EPA Executive Chairman to Regulate Sand Mining

June 27, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a letter written by the Governing Officer of the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ), Basita Michael, dated June 1, 2022, and addressed to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and the Executive Chairman of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) with the caption, “Re: SAND MINING AT HAMILTON BEACH”, she stated that she is writing in respect of the issue of sand mining on many of the country beaches and rivers.

She informed that as they are fully aware, sand mining is having a devastating effect on the coastline, destroying property, and damaging the area’s hopes of a tourism revival.

Referencing an article which was published in the “Los Angeles Times” earlier this year in which it was stated that ‘John Obey Beach is slowly disappearing as the dump trucks haul sand away and the tides push farther inland, toppling trees, destroying beach huts and carving out a yawning cliff of soil where there was once dry, flat land and removal of sand changes the wave patterns that transport sand along the coast, so the operation at John Obey Beach is also causing damage a couple of miles south in the surf town of Bureh,’ Basita Michael maintained that Section 23 (1) of the Environment Protection Agency Act 2008 prohibits certain activities.

According to her, the Section states that “Except as otherwise provided in this Act and notwithstanding the provisions of any enactment, no person shall undertake or cause to be undertaken any of the projects set out in the First Schedule unless he holds a valid licence in respect of such project.”

She continued how the first schedule of the Act provides that, “A licence is required for the projects whose activities involve or include the following: (f) Extractive industries (e.g., mining, quarrying, extraction of sand, gravel, salt, peat, oil and gas.

The rights activist furthered by quoting Section 23(2) which provides that, “(A)ny person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty-five million Leones in the case of a citizen of Sierra Leone and ten thousand United States dollars in the case of a non-citizen or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or to both the fine and imprisonment.”

She informed that similarly, the Mines and Minerals Act 2009 defines ‘mineral’ as any substance, whether in solid, liquid or gaseous form, occurring naturally in or on the earth, in or under the water or in mine residue deposits and having been formed by or subjected to a geological process including sand, stone, rock, gravel and clay, as well as soil but excludes water, natural oil, petroleum, topsoil and peat adding how under that Act, the Minister has to grant a mineral right before sand can be mined.

“Section 131 of the Act provides that ‘(I)n deciding whether or not to grant a mineral right, the Minister shall take into account the need to conserve the natural resources in or on the land over which the mineral right is sought, or in or on neighbouring land,” she referenced disclosing how the Minister shall require an environmental impact assessment licence as prescribed under the Environment Protection Act as a condition for granting a small-scale mining licence or a large-scale mining licence.’

Having laid that basis, Basita Michael said as an organization they are calling on the respective Ministry and Agency to work together in a coordinated manner with the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant Government bodies to ensure that all persons acting in violation of those provisions of the law are immediately arrested and prosecuted.

She said they acknowledge the importance of sand to development, especially the construction industry but underscored that sand mining is being done at a huge ecological and environmental price to the country.

Basita argued that the construction industry will not survive if the current rate of sand mining continues, as coastal erosion will leave many communities vulnerable to the consequences of rising sea levels due to climate change.

“We also acknowledge the limitation of the criminal law,” she maintained urging that the relevant bodies of Architects and Engineers in Sierra Leone seek other substitutes for sand.

According to her, in a BBC article titled, “Why the World is Running Out of Sand,” Vince Beiser noted that, “(A) number of scientists are working on ways to replace sand in concrete with other materials, including fly ash, the material left over by coal-fired power stations; shredded plastic; and even crushed oil palm shells and rice husks. Others are developing concrete that requires less sand, while researchers are also looking at more effective ways to grind down and recycle concrete.’

She continued how they are also urging the Environment Protection Agency to come out with and popularize clear guidelines that will allow sand mining to be done sustainably.

“Section 3 (2) (a) of the Environmental Protection (Mines and Minerals) Regulations 2013 provide for, ‘Every mining operation shall be carried out in a sustainable manner that is reasonably practicable in order to minimize, mitigate or eliminate negative environmental and social adverse impacts including but not limited to pollution….” she sated arguing that if extraction is to be done at all, there must be a balance right between the rate of extraction and restoration, and there must be vigilant monitoring and enforcing of regulations passed by the Environment Protection Agency.

The ILRAJ Governing Officer stated that Local Governments and communities must play a crucial role in the

Process and that should not only be limited to beaches and rivers in Freetown but across the entire country.

She said as a think tank and Civil Society group, they will be happy to partner with them to ensure that immediate and urgent action is taken to address the scourge and protect the environment for future generations.

Enclosed in the letters for the attention of the Mines Minister and EPA Executive Chairman were USB drives that contains pictures and videos of sand mining at Hamilton beach in May 2022.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Lands, the Honourable Minister of the Environment, the Minister of Tourism, the Secretary to the President, the Secretary to the Vice President, the Inspector General of Police, President, Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers, President, Sierra Leone Women Engineers and the President, Sierra Leone Institute of Architects.

SEND-SL Launches Training Manual for Intending Female Political Aspirants

June 27, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Social Enterprise Development (SEND Sierra Leone) in collaboration with Trocaire and with support from Irish Aid, has on Thursday 23rd June 2022 launched a training manual at the Radisson Blu Conference Hall for women who intend to aspire for elective positions across the country vis-à-vis the 2023 General Elections in order to ensure that more women are provided with the wherewithal or are availed the opportunity to participate in governance.

Participants were drawn from various sectors including female Parliamentarians and their male counterparts especially those supporting the course of women in Parliament especially those yearning for the enactment of the Gender and Women Empowerment Bill that has been tabled in Parliament.

Madam Lucy C.F Gondor, who is Board Chairperson of SEND, in her remarks, pointed out that equality between men and women can only be actualized if women are included in governances structures, adding that the importance of involving women in governance is not only key but crucial in any country’s development as only women can explain how they feel and react to issues objectively.

She suggested that establishing women networks in various districts will break the barrier of men considering themselves to be the best in governance positions, disclosing very soon SEND will expand its work to Kambia, Port Loko, and Pujehun districts as the women network build bond among various groups.

“This capacity training will help more women to participate in the 2023 general elections. More women will be capacitated and promoted,” she assured.

The SEND Country Director, Joseph Ayamga, maintained that if opportunities are given to women they will do exceptionally well, disclosing that women are being disadvantaged in politics despite being in the majority.

“Women are subjected to substandard roles in all political parties,” he said, disclosing that there are women out there who are interested in vying for elective positions which, according to him, is why Trocaire and SEND Sierra Leone thought it fit to come up with the training as well as the manual.

According to him, Kailahun district is the only district with 40 percent women representation in Parliament which they intend to replicate in all districts in 2023, as a way of ensuring more women in governances and leadership positions adding that SEND Sierra Leone and Trocaire will commence training for Civil Society on the Manual within the shortest possible time to ensure proper usage and interpretation, adding how there must be respect for the decision of men and women without any interference.

Representing the Parliamentary Female Caucus, Honourable Rebecca Yei Kamara, maintained they need action now as women and not later.

She informed the gathering that they are facing some serious challenges in convincing some male MPs to see a reason to accept and support the enactment of the GEWE Bill which most of them see as a threat, but called on the public to join them in prayers as the Bill if enacted will not only benefit those in Parliament but also other women.

Hon Saa Emerson Lamina appreciated SEND for coming up with the manual saying such will help the women in their struggles towards more women empowerment in governance, assuring that the Bill will soon become a thing of the past after doing the necessary things.

Officially launching the Manual, the Irish Ambassador, Claire Buckley, maintained the timing is useful as the manual is a product of collaboration among partners, stating that Ireland strongly supports women’s rights to equal participation because they recognize their role in peace-building and governance.

“We believe that a full and robust democracy depends on the equal participation of all including women, youth, and people with disabilities. And so we will continue to collaborate with like-minded partners such as SEND Sierra Leone to strengthen the capacity, the voices, and economic potentials of women and to create spaces for them to participate in politics, be part of social cohesion, and seek accountability and inclusive decision making at all levels here in Sierra Leone,” she assured

She explained that they are doing such because they believe with more women in political party Executives, more women inside and outside parties running for elections, and more women in local councils will greatly contribute to nation-building.

The Irish Ambassador maintained that positive steps had been taken towards ensuring women empowerment, citing the GEWE Bill and the Public Elections Act that are before Parliament at the moment for discussion and possible enactment.

“But of course, there are big obstacles and gender inequality and discrimination here in Sierra Leone is the cause of social inclusion. It’s one of the reasons why Sierra Leone’s performance on the global gender inequality index remains so low,” she said, disclosing that lessons have taught them that long-term sustained capacity building, mentoring, coaching, and networking are essential to get women elected at local and national levels and to deliver on shared commitments to transformational political inclusive processes.

For Housemates Salone Season 3… Your Votes Do Count Until the Ultimate Winner Emerges

June 27, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

This the start of Week 6 of the Reality TV Show, Housemates Salone Season 3, with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand.”

With the passage of time the show is gaining momentum as the Housemates who survived eviction continue to display their talents and are trying to impress viewers by their performances in the House. As the competition is gaining momentum so are the various couples in the House creating sensation making the Reality TV Show very thrilling and entertaining.

After the Housemates were uncoupled after last Sunday’s eviction they will be given the opportunity again to chose among themselves who they want to couple with. As couples, in this brand new week, they will be given assigned tasks to perform through which they will earn points.

However, what is paramount is for the public to vote for their favourite Housemates as it is through such that each and every Housemate would score major points to continue being in the competition otherwise they will fall victims of becoming evicted from the Housemates.

To do so, members of the public residing in Sierra Leone could either start or continue to vote via Afrimoney. To do so, they should just dial *161*10*1# with the NUMBERS of the Housemates. For International voting it must be done via www.housematessl.com or www.africell.sl.

As the Yagba continues among the Housemates what is at stake is Le 250 M cash prize & a round trip to Dubai.

Youth empowerment is at the core of this Reality TV Show as designed by the organizers, Africell Sierra Leone and the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Empire. Throughout the show the Housemates are mentally and physically tested on various occasions availing them the opportunity to learn new skills and improving on existing ones.

They are improving on their cooking abilities, learning how to play new games, they are asked to debate in teams various topics and subject matters, benefitting from motivational speeches, how to dress for certain occasions, learning how to express themselves fluently among a host of others.

I must be underscored that one of the significant ways in which these Housemates are being empowered is giving them the opportunity to interact on a normal basis as well as via partying. They are socializing, pairing, exchanging ideas, gossiping and courting relationships which presumably will span for a considerable period of time beyond Housemates Salone.

The huge following which the show is commanding at the current moment has made it possible for all the Housemates to be widely exposed. This exposure could put them at vantage positions to be earmarked for the performances of certain assignments after Housemates Salone Season 3. Obviously, some of them could be spotted to do advertisements for corporate institutions as Brand Ambassadors, role models etc. As a matter of fact, their lifestyles will never remain the same again and it is possible that what they have learnt could be cascaded to benefit other young people.

Indeed, the winning prize is staggering and seductive. For the deserving Housemate to bag that amount of money could be like hitting El Dorado. With a good financial plan, such an amount of money could serve as seed money for any meaningful investment. It could be used as a start-up capital by anyone of them who wish to become a young entrepreneur or for the furtherance of educational pursuit.

Without mincing the truth, Housemates Salone has once again put Sierra Leone in the international entertainment limelight as one country where attractive, brilliant, loving young people are doing wonderful things thereby dispelling the myth that it a theatre of war and a haven of blood diamonds.

You all know what? Let the Reality TV Show roll on exuding funny episodes that is getting many laughing their sides out but don’t forget that your votes do matter to keep your cherished Housemates in the House until the last couple stand out and the winner ultimately emerging.

NP-SL Is Poised to Fulfill its Committment to Make Petroleum Products Available

June 27, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is indeed ridiculous for a school of thought to blame oil marketing companies, particularly NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), for the current fuel crisis in the country. Ridiculous in the sense that it is an open fact that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is impinging negatively on the accessibility of petroleum products as Russia is a major supplier and Sierra Leone is not the only country bearing the brunt.

NP-SL Ltd, as a responsible company, has hammered home this point on several instances even though it is Government that should be at the forefront in educating the gullible populace about the unfortunate situation.

As a matter of fact, since the inception of the war the highly reputable petroleum importing and marketing company has bent backwards in order to ensure that petroleum products, mainly petrol and diesel, are available at all times in the country.

Furthermore, it is no hidden fact that the very war has caused and continues to make the company run at huge losses. However, regardless of the current situation NP-SL Ltd, as an indigenous company, has ensured that petroleum products are available on the market and will continue doing so.

These are trying times and to create the impression that the company is deliberately causing artificial scarcity is not only disingenuous but will be a great disservice to a company that is going at great lengths to ensure that the public has access to petroleum products in all parts of the country.

As a matter of fact NP-SL Ltd has been the only oil marketing company in the country that has been unreservedly supplying and marketing fuel during these trying times and the company is committed to continue in that direction.

It is against that backdrop that Management of the company is ensuring that every day NP Filling Stations have petroleum products to sell and the company is poised to import more of those products. For now, NP-SL is the only company at the moment that has AGO gas and diesel in the country.

NP-SL Ltd has been in operation in the country for a very considerable period of time now and is a viable company that has stood the test of time weathering various challenges including the one the company is facing at the moment. To paint the picture that the company is a non-starter, one that buys, sells and from what it derives determining its survival could be a figment of an ignorant imagination.

The company, though an indigenous business entity, has a strong presence in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where it is vibrantly functioning. For a company of that calibre and stamina to be looked at as a “dregman” company or one that is not financially solvent could only be deemed as a fallacy borne out of total ignorance. The question could be asked rhetorically: how could a company with such a solid base or foundation be deemed as financially handicapped? NP-SL Ltd has the largest market share and is the most capitalized oil marketing company in the country.

It is on record that since January 2022 to date the company imported 112,491,596 metric tonnes of fuel costing over $111M.

One thing that should not be swept under the carpet is the perennial challenge of accessing foreign exchange, especially the Dollar and such a gloomy situation has been hampering oil marketing companies from easily importing petroleum products in the country. With the depreciation of the Leone to the Dollar on a frequent basis such has been putting a heavy toll on oil marketing companies, including NP-SL Ltd. It is the dollar and not the Leone that oil marketing companies use to purchase petroleum products on the international market. How willing and how much foreign exchange that the banks will provide could be a whole subject of discussion. What is important to also note is that without any form of stability in the exchange rate it will be difficult to avoid fluctuations in the price of fuel.

Some have argued that if Government effectively places an appreciably subsidy on petroleum products then the frequent change in the price of petroleum products will become a thing of the past were as others have pointed out that in certain ways the Government is doing so indirectly. It is a matter that actually needs clarification.

From what this medium understood, despite the challenges faced amidst certain baseless castigations, the Management of NP-SL Ltd is doggedly committed to continue doing the good work it has been doing that is ensuring that petroleum products are available at all times.

Management of the company is of the view that as long as they are doing what is right now amount of baseless criticism or propaganda could discourage the business entity from continuing to make petroleum products available in the country.

Being an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it has effectively rolled out to such an extent that it has earned the enviable reputation of 1^st for Customer Care.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company introduced the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station as long as it has been credited it could be used to get the amount of fuel needed.

NP Gas, which is a cooking gadget, was introduced. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home as it could never be regretted having.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company makes use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

It is an indisputable fact that NP-SL Ltd is an indigenous company that is business savvy, compassionate and is indeed contributing immensely to the country’s economy in positive ways.

SLRSA & Executive of Metal Dealers Association Meet

June 24, 2022

The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority [SLRSA] met with the Executive members of the Sierra Leone Scrap Metal Dealers Association on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at the Authority’s headquarters on Kissy Road in Freetown.

The objective of the meeting was to discuss some key issues identified by the Authority which are related to the business of scrap metals in the country.

SLRSA’s Executive Director, Rev. Smart Kelson Senesie, expressed appreciation to the Executive members of the Association for responding to the call of the Authority. He disclosed that the business in scrap metal is a very important one as it provides employment and is an avenue for mobilizing taxes for Government. He advised the Association to operate within the confines of the law.

The Executive Director highlighted some key concerns that he requested both the scrap metal dealers and the Authority to jointly address referencing the sale of vehicles as scrap and the disposal of Vehicle Number Plates without contacting the Authority. He said vehicle number plates were the properties of the SLRSA and therefore they must be returned to the Authority before the sale of any vehicle as scrap.

He informed the meeting that the Authority has the mandate to keep data of all vehicles in the country adding that for a vehicle to be sold as scrap without the return of the registration plate will distort the data of vehicles in the country. Rev. Smart admonished the Association to collaborate with the Authority in order to address the concerns raised.

The President of the Association, Abdulai Daboh revealed that the Association has a membership of over 29,000 people. He said they deal in Brass, Copper, Aluminum, Plastic, and Batteries. He, however, noted that as an Executive they had cautioned their membership to always do legal business and to desist from buying Government assets without going through the due process.

Acting Director of Transport at SLRSA, Daniel C. Kaitibie said SLRSA is the Government agency responsible for the regulation of the road transport industry with a responsibility to keep data of all registered vehicles in the country and warned against the disposal of vehicles as scraps without the approval of the Authority.

Public Relations Manager SLRSA, Abdul Karim Dumbuya noted that the storage of scrap metals in certain environments and movement through push carts “Omolankays” is a challenge to Road Safety as pedestrians are often exposed to danger.

He called for the development of policies and regulations to guide the disposal of vehicles as scraps.

Other notable contributions were made by the Planning Manager, James Stevens, and Research and Development Manager, Ambrose Tucker.

The meeting was chaired by the SLRSA Company Secretary, Abu Bakarr Sheriff, who reminded the scrap metal dealers that, rights go with responsibility and appealed to them to always be mindful of their rights and responsibilities when conducting their trade.

As it Enacts Electronic Communication Bill… Parliament Ratifies Kingho Mining Agreement

June 24, 2022

Parliament on Wednesday 22 June 2022 debated and ratified a mining lease agreement for the development of Sierra Leone.

The Mining Lease Agreement (MLA) between the Government of Sierra Leone (GOSL) and Kingho Mining Company (SL) Limited was ratified by Parliament.

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba presented the agreement before it was ratified. In his submission, he said the Government of Sierra Leone entered into an agreement with the company in 2020. He said in 2020, Kingho was given the opportunity to operate in Tonkolili and underscored that in January this year, President Bio constituted a negotiation committee, which precipitated the agreement for the interest of the State.

The agreement, the Minister argued, would serve the interest of the people and went on to state that the company is mining the lowest grade. According to him, the agreement would address the many challenges related to the Tonkolili iron ore and spoke about the company’s compliance with its Community Development Action Plan (CDAP) Fund and other related matters, which, he said, are also contained in the agreement.

He assured Parliament that the agreement would serve the intended purposes for the good and development of Sierra Leone.

In his submission to the debate, the Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources in Parliament said the agreement is in the interest of Sierra Leone, adding that, the success of the Minister cannot be underestimated, citing indicators.

He recalled successes relating to mining activities by the Minister, in light of the payment of one percent for CDAP by the company to the host community. Comparatively, the Chairman recalled the bad mining activities in the past and informed us that the current system had improved in that sector. He went on to heap lots of praises on the Minister, in light of good laws, and due diligence amongst others.

The Leader went on to commend the Minister for bringing such a mining agreement and called on his colleague MPs to ratify the agreement.

Hon. Dr. Mack-Mahmoud Kalokoh urged the Minister to clarify certain areas in the agreement relative to payment of National Social Security dues, cutting of trees, and detailed shipment of the minerals.

On his part, Hon. Edward George thanked the Minister for ratifying good mining agreements referencing his home district of Moyamba as one of the beneficiaries and used the opportunity to thank the Minister for creating a clause that protects the employment of locals.

He recalled bad memories when mining companies were employing foreigners in positions, where locals were competent as well. He appealed to the Minister to ensure the protection of compatriots.

Hon. Alex Rogers, while speaking on the basis of experience, said the agreement is not controversial and spoke about the environmental mitigation, in light of compliance and the contract renewal as well as free prior consent.

Hon. Sorieba Turay described the agreement as a “very fine document”, and went on to commend the Minister and Chairman of the Mines Committee. He also commended the company for honouring its Corporate Social Responsibility, for creating jobs, and for its plan to construct an iron ore melting plant in the country.

Rounding up the debate, Acting Leader of Opposition, Hon. Hassan Sesay recalled that they should have ratified the agreement long ago and informed that they want to approve a mining agreement that would benefit the people and Government of Sierra Leone. He said the document is not bad as it relates to the development aspirations of the country.

Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie advised the Minister to follow up on the implementation of the agreement and asked the Mines and Mineral Committee to do robust oversight.

Responding to concerns raised by MPs the Minister did so well and assured them of better considerations.

In another development, Parliament on the same date passed into law with some amendments the bill entitled, “The National Electronic Communication Act 2022”, after committing it to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny.

The bill seeks to establish the National Communications Authority and to provide for the licensing and regulation of electronic communication operators and other related matters.

Earlier, the bill has been debated intensively by Members of Parliament, outlining its positive effects on the development of information and technology for the nation.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Solomon Jamiru Esq. piloted the enactment of the said bill.

Landowners Receive Over Le 1.3 Billion as Surface Rent from Leone Rock Metal Group

June 24, 2022

A sum of over Le 1,300,000,000 (One Billion Three Hundred Million Leones) was paid as surface rent by Leone Rock Metal Group to landowners within its operational areas in Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone.

Payment of the surface rents by the company was in line with the requirement for the granting of a Large-Scale Mining License and in relation to Leone Rock Metal Group’s obligation prescribed in Section 34(a) of the Mines and Minerals Act 2009 for surface rent.

During the payment, Paramount Chief Alimamy Bockarie Yallan Koroma of Dansogoia Chiefdom reiterated the views of the landowners and Paramount Chiefs of all the concessions who collectively stated that the payment of the surface rent reveals that Leone Rock is adhering to its obligations. He commended the company and expressed optimism that the relationship between the company and the people will continue to be healthy.

In her statement, Honourable Rose Marie Bangura of Constituency 055 covering Simiria, Kafe, and Dansogoia chiefdoms thanked the company for honoring its obligation. She admonished the landowners to utilize the money properly and to also use the money for developmental projects that will further empower their communities.

She furthered that besides the payment of the surface rent the company has also undertaken CDAP projects in their respective communities with the aim of ameliorating the sufferings of the people.

Landowners, as well as community stakeholders, present lauded Leone Rock Metal Group for being a compliant company as well as for its massive investment in their communities, particularly in the areas of health, agriculture, education, recreation, etc. They assured that the money paid will be used judiciously in enhancing development in their localities.

Meanwhile, the Director in the Office of the CEO of Leone Rock Metal Group, Salim Sillah during an earlier interview stated that the Integrated Iron Ore Project of the company has several stages which are keen on getting a smelting plant that will transform Sierra Leone iron ore industry from mining to the production of steel.

Salim Sillah added that currently, the company is in the process of designing and building an optimization plant that will be the first time in the history of the Tonkolili Mine and that the Iron Ore concentrate will leave the mine with a globally competitive grade of +62%.

Asked why the company did not start active mining despite acquiring the three licenses in 2013, Salim Sillah said that the prevailing circumstance at the time was not favorable to start active mining. He said the company spent over USD 60 Million on exploration alone but could not start mining because the infrastructure to transport iron ore from Tonkolili was not in place and that the owners of the then-existing railway could not allow the company to use rail and port infrastructure for transport of its ore.

He continued how the period also coincided with the Ebola outbreak coupled with the decline in global Iron Ore price during which the majority of Iron Ore companies including London Mining, and African Minerals either transferred their assets to other companies or shut down because they were struggling to keep up with operation cost against the poor revenue from sales.

However, with the company now with right of the railway and port facilities, Salim Sillah said that plans are on to revamp the various mining concession areas as the company now is in control of the railway and port facilities.

1...735736737...1,375 Page 736 of 1,375