Africell MD Champions Environmental Awareness on World Environment Day

June 12, 2024

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, Africell Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, spearheaded World Environment Day celebrations on June 5th, 2024. Themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” the event underscored the urgent need to tackle critical environmental challenges.

The EPA, responsible for environmental monitoring, regulation, and protection, joined millions worldwide in this observance. Fatmata Bakarr Sesay from the Communications Department outlined a week-long series of activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering solutions for environmental challenges in Sierra Leone.

A symposium at Fourah Bay College on June 5th brought together various stakeholders to discuss the theme and develop strategies to address environmental issues. The following day, an Eco-tour was organized for school children, providing them with firsthand experiences of the causes of water shortages and measures to mitigate these issues.

On June 7th, a debate competition among schools encouraged young minds to engage with environmental topics, culminating in a green marathon on June 8th. This marathon, starting at Siaka Stevens Street by the Cotton Tree and ending at Lumley Beach, aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.

Shadi Gerjawi, Managing Director of Africell Sierra Leone, highlighted Africa’s potential for solar energy. Citing the International Energy Agency, he noted that while Africa possesses 60% of the world’s best solar resources, it contributes only 1% to global solar generation capacity. To bridge this gap, Africell launched the Clean Energy Initiative in 2023, including the installation of a 230-kilowatt solar farm at their headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown.

Africell aims to have 40% of its tower sites operating on hybrid systems, utilizing solar energy and generators by the end of this year. Additionally, their shift towards a paperless office has reduced paper usage by 70%, transitioning to a more digital platform.

In partnership with Easy Solar and PowerGen, Africell has enabled customers to pay for solar energy products through their mobile money platform, Afrimoney. Gerjawi concluded by noting Africell’s compliance with EPA regulations since 2016, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility.

This collaboration between the EPA, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and Africell marks a pivotal effort in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness in Sierra Leone.

Renowned Philanthropist Dr. Adonis Abboud Releases Inspirational Book

June 12, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Dr. Adonis Abboud, esteemed philanthropist, businessman, diplomat and Chairman of the Adonis Abboud Trust Fund (AATF) recently unveiled a remarkable literary work titled: “Pikin Bizness: Many Hearts Mended Since 2005.” This compelling book, comprising 333 pages, serves as a testament to Dr. Abboud’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes and community development. It was published in the United Kingdom with 200 copies now in Freetown.

“Pikin Bizness: Many Hearts Mended Since 2005” offers an insightful glimpse into the extensive humanitarian efforts led by Dr. Adonis Abboud and supported by influential figures within and outside the country. Divided into three comprehensive sections, the book chronicles the diverse range of assistance provided to vulnerable individuals, particularly children and various institutions.

The first section of the book delves into the realm of health assistance, shedding light on the numerous medical interventions spearheaded by Pikin Bizness. Notably, detailed accounts are provided of life-saving surgeries conducted, particularly for children afflicted with heart conditions. Many of these young patients have successfully recovered and are thriving, thanks to the compassionate efforts of Dr. Abboud and his team.

Education takes center stage in the second section of the book, with a focus on the substantial support extended to educational initiatives. Dr. Abboud’s commitment to education is palpable, with his active involvement in convocation ceremonies at eight universities across the country for the past 18 years. Furthermore, the establishment of the academic aiding pathway underscores his dedication to nurturing the academic potential of students, particularly those in the medical field.

The book also highlights Dr. Abboud’s “One Student One Radio Campaign,” aimed at ensuring widespread access to educational resources, including radio sets and learning materials, for pupils nationwide. Additionally, significant contributions to schools in the form of learning materials and infrastructural support underscore Dr. Abboud’s steadfast commitment to fostering quality education.

The final section of the book delves into community development endeavors spearheaded by Pikin Bizness. From donating footballs to local teams to providing modern fishing equipment to youths, Dr. Abboud’s philanthropic initiatives have left an indelible mark on communities across Sierra Leone. Notable projects include the construction of the Kamayama Bridge, refurbishment of the Hamilton Community Health Centre and the provision of Christmas treats to children, among others.

The father of a son that is one of the beneficiaries of the medical assistance rendered by Pikin Bizness, Kingsley Ighobor, who is the Communication Officer, Dept. Of Global Communications, U.N. Secretariat in New York said he has spoken to Zogie, his son, three times today.

He continued that during their last conversation, Zogie was exceptionally lively and looked forward to returning to Sierra Leone. Saying he asked after everyone and said he wanted to go to school.

According to him, when Zogie called him “PAPA,” he wept because he realized Zogie had just been rescued from the grip of death adding how they can now, as parents, plan and plot his future—not rushing to the next hospital.

He revealed how for the first time since Zogie’s birth nearly six years ago, they can rest assured that he’s got a future.

Kingsley stated how before now, they couldn’t maintaining that it was about living by the day because they were never sure if he would survive the next. He maintained that Zogie has never had the opportunity to live and grow like other kids as he couldn’t play in the evening for fear of getting ill furthering how they were told he shouldn’t be allowed to get over-excited; he wasn’t allowed to cry.

“He missed going to school at the slightest hint of illness or even when there was a change of weather,” the father disclosed saying he has visited most hospitals in Freetown, and they have taken him to Banjul in Gambia, Dakar in Senegal, Abuja in Nigeria, and lately Accra in Ghana—all in desperate attempts to get him good health.

Kingsley said Zogie would like to profoundly thank Dr Adonis Abboud and David as well as Pikin Bizness for those extraordinary efforts in taking Zogie to Paris, where he successfully underwent an operation to repair his heart.

He pointed out that Zogie is lucky to have had that opportunity as he understands there are quite a number of kids in Sierra Leone who have had to endure the anguish and debilitation of living with a heart condition, unsure if they would ever grow up.

Kingsley stated that it is really sad disclosing how Zogie wishes Pikin Bizness could get more support from the business community, other NGOs, and possibly the Government so that lives are not unnecessarily wasted.

The father of the beneficiary child intimated that from the bottom of his heart, he would like to, on behalf of Zogie, his mum and numerous well-wishers, say thank you and wish Adonis Aboud and David God’s richest blessings and support as they strive to save lives.

Throughout the pages of “Pikin Bizness: Many Hearts Mended Since 2005,” Dr. Adonis Abboud’s unwavering compassion and commitment to uplifting communities shine brightly. This compelling literary work serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of philanthropy and community engagement, making it a must-read for all.

Pavi Fort Set to Hand Over Transport Transit Terminal as 98% Work Nears Completion

June 12, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As part of the Sierra Leone Integrated and Resilient Urban Mobility Project (SLIRUMP), Pavi Fort AL Associates (SL) Limited, one of Sierra Leone’s leading construction companies, is set to hand over the newly constructed Transport Transit Terminal at Lumley, West End of Freetown. This disclosure was made on Monday, June 10th, 2024, during an exclusive interview with Pavi Fort Engineer, Ing. Sulaiman Conteh, at the Huta-Golden Quarry Site in Lumley, Freetown.

Speaking during the interview, Ing. Sulaiman Conteh stated that the Government of Sierra Leone successfully secured funding from the World Bank for the implementation of the Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project (IRUMP). That project, implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation along with relevant agencies and other stakeholders, saw Pavi Fort emerge as the competent roads construction company that won the bidding for its implementation.

He pointed out that the main objectives of the project are geared towards improving the quality of public transportation, addressing climate resilience, improving road safety in selected areas and enhancing institutional capacity in the transport sector.

According to him, since the commencement of the project, the company has worked on corridor improvements, including complete traffic management measures, intersection improvements, coordinated traffic lights, improvement of sidewalks for pedestrian movement, and drainage.

Ing. Conteh revealed that the current construction of a Market and Transport Transit Terminal at Lumley is part of the project. He stated that the Transport Transit Terminal is already 98% complete and will be officially handed over to the Government of Sierra Leone within the next few days.

He noted that the Transport Transit Terminal includes five terminals to accommodate Kekehs, Mini Buses and Waka Fine Buses, facilitating easy transportation access.

Commenting on the market, he said the company is also working tirelessly to complete it. When finished, the market will accommodate a large number of traders and will feature a four-story building with two car parks: one on the ground floor for shop owners and another outside for customers.

Ibrahim Sesay, a passerby, stated that he will praise Pavi Fort for one key achievement: implementing various projects simultaneously in different and distant locations, a feat that others could not achieve. This, he maintained, shows how competent and efficient Pavi Fort is.

He added that the Transport Transit Terminal has given a new facelift to the Lumley community saying he is strongly convinced that, once completed and handed over, it will significantly improve transportation access.

Sierra Leone Enhances Aviation Safety Measures and Implements SAATM

June 12, 2024

Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA).jpg

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has reported significant advancements in aviation safety and security for 2023. These achievements include a comprehensive review of the SLCAA Act to ensure compliance with the Chicago Convention and enhanced capacity building within the sector.

Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of SLCAA, announced these updates recently. She highlighted that all primary aviation legislation has been amended in accordance with recommendations from the WACAF and BAGASOO assistance missions. Additionally, the Consumer Protection Unit has been re-established with support from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

In 2023, Sierra Leone successfully implemented the Billing and Settlement Plan, making it the first country in the Mano River Union to do so. This initiative is part of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to enhance aviation safety and operational efficiency.

Engagements with the European Union (EU) Commission have also been a priority for Sierra Leone. Ms. Barrie expressed optimism that due to the improvements in safety, securit, and oversight systems, Sierra Leone might be removed from the EU’s aviation safety list in 2024, where it has been listed since 2008.

Further, Ms. Barrie reported substantial progress towards the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Sierra Leone signed the SAATM Solemn Agreement in 2016 and has since liberalized its airspace by offering the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th Freedoms. All Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) have been aligned with the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD).

Kenya Airways has been designated as the National Carrier for Sierra Leone. The country has also established and nominated National Implementation Committees for both the YD and SAATM, and appointed a focal person for YD implementation. Plans are underway to celebrate YD-Day locally.

Ms. Barrie emphasized the importance of the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM-PIP) pilot survey, which has been instrumental for countries struggling to fully implement the eight concrete measures of the SAATM.

Overall, these efforts highlight Sierra Leone’s commitment to advancing its aviation sector and aligning with international standards.

Confucius Institute Announces Yusuf Sesay as Winner of 23rd Chinese Bridge Competition

June 12, 2024

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Confucius Institute of the University of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, has on Wednesday 5^thJune 2024 held its 23^rdEdition of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students inclusive of those in Sierra Leone on the theme: “One World, One Family”. The event, held at Bintumani Hotel on Aberdeen in Freetown, celebrated the linguistic talents and cultural knowledge of students from various colleges in Sierra Leone.

Nine outstanding contestants were selected to compete in this year’s final, demonstrating their proficiency and understanding of the Chinese language and culture. After all presentations were completed, Yusuf Sesay, a student at Fourah Bay College, was announced as the winner of the 23rd Edition of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students.

Professor Chen Xuebin, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, highlighted the significance of the “Chinese Bridge” competition series, which includes the Chinese Show for foreign primary school students and the Chinese Proficiency Competition for foreign college students. These internationally recognized initiatives aim to promote Chinese language and culture among students worldwide. “This competition has become a prestigious platform for showcasing linguistic talents and cultural knowledge,” Professor Chen stated.

He extended his gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for entrusting the Confucius Institute with the responsibility of hosting these significant events. The preliminary round of the Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students took place on March 29th, attracting 18 participants. Nine outstanding contestants were selected to compete in the final, demonstrating their proficiency and understanding of the Chinese language and culture.

“Today, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to all participants for their diligent preparation, to the lecturers for their hard work in instructing the contestants, and to the judges for their dedicated efforts in evaluating the competitions,” Professor Chen continued. He wished all contestants the best of luck, encouraging them to achieve excellent results, demonstrate high-level skills, and exhibit a commendable spirit.

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, began by congratulating the finalists for their achievement in reaching the competition’s final stage, acknowledging their dedication and skill. “You are the best! You deserve our sincerest applause!” he declared.

Highlighting the rich history and cultural significance of the Chinese language, Ambassador Wang emphasized its role in fostering a deeper understanding of China’s past, present, and future. He noted, “The Chinese language is the crystallization of China’s profound and rich history and culture. When you study Chinese, you can feel the beauty of the shape, the structure, the sound, and rhythm of this language.”

Ambassador Wang also reflected on recent cultural exchange events between China and Sierra Leone, such as the International Chinese Language Day Celebration and the China-Sierra Leone Cultural Exchange Event.

He expressed his delight at seeing the growing interest among young Sierra Leoneans in Chinese culture, including Chinese opera, tea, martial arts, and traditional musical instruments. “It shows the charm of Chinese culture, the power of mutual appreciation of civilizations, and the potential of China-Sierra Leone relations,” he said.

Drawing a parallel between China’s renowned infrastructure projects and the competition, Ambassador Wang described the event as a bridge-building exercise. “Today’s competition is also a kind of bridge building, using the Chinese language as a medium to build a bridge between our hearts and minds,” he remarked.

He highlighted the long-standing friendship and partnership between China and Sierra Leone, which has spanned over 53 years, and expressed hope for continued cooperation and shared progress in the future.

The theme of this year’s competition, “One World, One Family,” resonates with China’s vision of global unity and common development. Ambassador Wang referenced President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), which advocates for the respect for diverse civilizations, shared human values, and robust international exchanges. “China is ready to work together with the international community to open up a new prospect of enhanced exchanges and understanding among different peoples and better interactions and integration of diversified cultures,” he stated.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Wang expressed gratitude to the teachers, volunteers, and supporters of Chinese language education in Sierra Leone. “Without your help, the ‘Chinese Bridge’ could not connect us so tight. I do hope you will keep up the good work and go on achieving even greater success!” he concluded.

Dr. Abdulai Walon-Jalloh, Head of the Linguistics Department at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, expressed gratitude on behalf of the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College, and particularly his department, for the immense benefits from this exchange and collaboration.

He emphasized the transformative opportunities provided by the Chinese Bridge competition, underscoring the broader implications of learning Chinese, noting that it allows communication with nearly half of the world’s population, enhancing future collaboration and cooperation, urging students to seize this opportunity to position themselves for future prospects beyond the awards and accolades of the competition.

Yusuf Sesay, a student at Fourah Bay College who took the first position commended the Institute for organizing the ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students which he said has enabled her to learn the Chinese language.

He called on Sierra Leonean students to show interest in learning Chinese, adding that studying Chinese in this present world has so many advantages

Closing the event was the announcement of the names of the final 9 University student winners followed by the award of prizes as well as the announcement of the final result for the 4^rdEdition of the ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for primary school pupils together with the award of prizes to those who did well.

President Bio Highlights Tech Advancements at Sierra Leone Innovates Summit

June 12, 2024

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The vibrant Sierra Leone Innovates Tech Summit commenced on Tuesday June 11, 2024 at the Freetown International Conference Centre, drawing over 100 delegates from 15 countries worldwide. This dynamic three-day event aims to shape Sierra Leone’s digital and technological landscape through discussions, brainstorming sessions and idea exchanges.

Sponsored by Orange Sierra Leone, the summit focuses on creating a connected ecosystem that drives technological advancement, digital inclusion and infrastructure development. The goal is to empower the youth, open doors to global employment opportunities and foster innovation.

Salima Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the summit’s primary objective: to position Sierra Leone as a leading technology and innovation hub. “We aim to create an environment conducive to business expansion, fostering innovation, incubation and growth,” said Salima Bah. She emphasized the importance of forward-thinking policies and robust mechanisms to support entrepreneurship in the evolving market.

“We’re charting a course for Sierra Leone’s Tech Future,” she declared.

A significant highlight of the summit was Starlink’s official debut in Sierra Leone, marking the country as the 100th market for the global satellite internet network.

In his keynote address, President Julius Maada Bio underscored Sierra Leone’s role in shaping the future digital landscape. He urged the nation to transcend being mere end-users in the 4th Industrial Revolution and embrace the opportunities technology offers to revolutionize service delivery. President Bio praised his Government’s initiatives, such as establishing the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation and the pioneering the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation. He also highlighted transformative programs like the Fintech Sandbox and the first Drone Corridor in West Africa.

“Technology must not merely captivate but fundamentally enhance service delivery,” said President Bio, emphasizing its role in improving education, health and financial services.

Addressing the nation’s challenges and opportunities, President Bio stressed the importance of leveraging technology to navigate the digital ecosystem. “Sierra Leone stands at a crossroad of unprecedented opportunities and daunting challenges. We must position ourselves to explore the opportunities that these innovations present,” he said.

The summit showcased tech companies’ solutions, including Sierra Leone’s ambitious Tech City project, reflecting the country’s forward-thinking approach. President Bio toured various exhibition booths, with Orange Mobile Company prominently featured.

The summit continues to buzz with energy, featuring exhibitions, panel discussions, and presentations. Orange Sierra Leone, a key sponsor, will host sessions offering aspiring innovators, students and entrepreneurs hands-on experiences with their cutting-edge products and services. Participants can also access scholarships for professional web design courses and enriching learning experiences through Cusera.

The Sierra Leone Innovates Tech Summit offers a platform for collaboration, innovation and inspiration, propelling the nation towards a brighter technological future.

Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Warns of Rising Scam Threat

June 11, 2024

Freetown, June 7, 2024 – Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) has issued a public alert regarding an increase in scams involving the misuse of its reputable name to deceive individuals and steal their money. The bank is urging both its customers and the wider public to be vigilant against these fraudulent activities.

Rise in Scams Targeting SLCB Customers

Recently, there has been a surge in fraudulent schemes where scammers impersonate SLCB representatives through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media. These criminals craft convincing communications, often promising financial opportunities, loan approvals, or prizes in exchange for personal or financial information.

Key Safety Tips from SLCB

To help safeguard against these scams, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank advises the following precautions:

Be Skeptical: Treat unsolicited communications claiming to be from SLCB with caution. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

Verify the Source: Independently verify any communication from SLCB by contacting the bank directly through official channels. Avoid using contact information provided by the potential scammer.

Protect Personal Information: Do not share sensitive information such as account numbers, PINs, or passwords unless you are sure of the recipient’s authenticity.

Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity or scams involving SLCB to local law enforcement and notify the bank immediately. Prompt reporting can aid in taking action against fraudsters.

Commitment to Customer Safety

SLCB is dedicated to the safety and security of its customers and the public. The bank is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies to address and mitigate these fraudulent activities. SLCB emphasizes that it will never send unsolicited communications asking for personal or financial information and does not endorse or participate in any fraudulent schemes.

Contact Information

For further information or to report a suspected scam, contact the SLCB Customer Service Department at +232-79-211-121 / +232-88-225-225, or the Corporate Secretariat at +232-78-645774 / +232-79-950-132.

Sierra Leone Commercial Bank values the trust and cooperation of its customers in maintaining the safety of the community against scammers. The bank remains committed to being a trusted financial partner.

By Management

With Over 70% Work Completed… Parliamentary Committee Commends Pavi Fort’s Kenema & Kabala Road Projects

June 10, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets, Parliament of Sierra Leone conducted an extensive oversight visit on June 8th and 9th, 2024, to inspect ongoing road construction projects in Kenema and Kabala. Led by Honorable Ing. Habib Fabbah, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, the delegation aimed to evaluate the progress and quality of the work undertaken by Pavi Fort AL Associates (SL) Limited, a leading construction company in Sierra Leone.

Hon. Fabbah emphasized that the visit’s primary objective was to assess the project’s adherence to the set timeline and quality standards. He noted that the project is 74% complete, indicating substantial progress. He also addressed potential legal challenges, particularly concerning compensation for affected properties, assuring that the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and Pavi Fort are actively resolving these issues.

In his remarks, Hon. Fabbah highlighted the importance of ensuring visible progress and adherence to the project timeline. He mentioned that both SLRA and the Work Committee’s engineers are involved in overseeing the project, expressing confidence in the quality of the construction, noting that the work is visibly satisfactory even without sophisticated tests. He concluded by affirming that the visible progress and quality inspections ensure the project is on the right track.

Alimu Sanu Barrie, Chairman and CEO of Pavi Fort, provided updates on the project, initially planned for 25 kilometers with a 5-kilometer extension. He reported that 20 kilometers have been completed and the project is on track for a December 2024 completion.

Barrie cited previous successful projects, such as the Kabala Township Road, to highlight their commitment to quality. He also addressed the challenges faced during construction, including initial delays due to the lack of a suitable quarry, which delayed the project by about a year.

However, once a suitable quarry was found, the project gained momentum. He praised President Julius Maada Bio and the Government for their support and emphasized the role of strategic planning to mitigate weather-related challenges.

The Chairman and CEO said the road construction project has created over 600 direct jobs for Sierra Leoneans, with additional employment through subcontractors. He highlighted the company’s focus on knowledge transfer by pairing local graduates with expatriates, enhancing local expertise. He also mentioned efforts to resolve community concerns, particularly regarding compensation for affected residents. According to him, a recent meeting with Parliamentarians resulted in a settlement plan to include compensation in their payment processes, ensuring timely and equitable solutions.

Honorable Daniel B. Koroma, a member of the Committee who also doubles as the Deputy Minority Leader 1, Parliament of Sierra Leone, underscored the Committee’s role in ensuring compliance with project requirements, as mandated by the 1991 Constitution.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality observed and reposed confidence in meeting the project timeline despite potential weather-related challenges. The Member of Parliament emphasized the Committee’s strategic planning to prioritize activities less affected by rain, ensuring continued progress.

The Mayor of Kenema City, Thomas Karimu Baio, highlighted their supportive role in supervising the projects from a layperson’s perspective. He acknowledged residents’ concerns about timely payments and resource distribution, advocating for better communication and management to address those issues.

The Mayor further noted that while the local Government is involved in overseeing the project, they rely on the technical expertise of engineers to ensure quality work. He also discussed the importance of appointments and potential future visits to ensure that the needs of Kenema’s residents are addressed fairly.

Baio stressed the need for better communication and management to address residents’ concerns, suggesting that a more transparent approach could alleviate frustrations.

From Kenema, the Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets moved to Kabala on Sunday, June 9th, 2024, to also assess the road construction project implemented by Pavi Fort Construction Company. After the assessment, the Committee will proceed to examine the Project works of the company in Freetown today, Monday, June 10th, 2024.

The visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets underscores a comprehensive effort to ensure quality, timely completion, and community satisfaction in road construction projects. The combined oversight of Parliamentarians, local Government, and active engagement with the community aims to ensure the project’s success, ultimately benefiting the residents of Kenema.

It could be recalled that on December 19th, 2020, Pavi Fort Construction Company entered Kenema city impressively with its high-standard machinery in preparedness to embark on the reconstruction of township roads in that part of the country. There was a lot of pomp and pageantry as residents of Kenema District came out in their hundreds to give a rousing welcome to the Management and team of the company.

Since December 2020, the company has been working round the clock with dogged determination to fulfill its commitment towards the reconstruction of township roads in Kenema District.

In that regard, on January 7th, 2022, Pavi Fort commenced Asphalt Concrete work on township roads in Kenema. The commissioning of the commencement of the Asphalt Concrete work was officially done by the Mayor of Kenema City, Thomas Karimu Baio.

It must also be noted that on May 19th, 2023, in Dogoloyia Town, Koinadugu district, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio commissioned a 261-kilometer road linking Koinadugu with Falaba and Kono Districts with a view to reducing travel time and cost, improving service delivery time, and promoting the health condition of residents in that part of the country. The road was constructed by Pavi Fort.

The company also implemented the World Bank-funded Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project (IRUMP), which entailed the enhancement of three specific areas in Freetown: Kissy Ferry Junction, Congo Cross Roundabout, and Lumley Roundabout, which are referred to as road corridors. It maintained some major streets in Freetown and refurbished a hospital in Port Loko that was handed over to the Government by UAE among others.

Bench Warrant Issued for Businessman S.A. Beckley in ‘Mammy Kus’ Case

June 10, 2024

By Amin Kef Sesay

A bench warrant has been issued for Samuel A. Beckley, a businessman dealing in vehicle spare parts at No. 1 Campbell Street, Freetown for failing to appear in court to address charges brought against him by a Senior Solicitor, Demba Barrie, Esq. of the Sierra Leone Bar Association.

The warrant was issued on Thursday June 6, 2024 after S.A Beckley failed to show up for the hearing before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2.

In the court session, Defense Attorney, Jesse M. Jengo, Esq. acknowledged that S.A Beckley had been properly served with the summons but failed to appear, demonstrating disrespect to the court. In fact the process server who effected the service on the said SA Beckley stated in the affidavit of service that he was insulted and chased out of his business premises by S.A Beckley upon perusal of the summons paper.

Consequently, Jengo Esq and the battery of lawyers who represented the complainant therein requested a bench warrant for Beckley’s arrest, which Magistrate Bangura granted.

S.A Beckley faces five charges under the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965, including threatening language, abusive language and insulting conduct. The charges stem from an incident on December 27, 2023, during which he allegedly made threatening and abusive remarks to Demba Barrie Esq via WhatsApp call placed to him which was recorded by the complainant.

Further investigation done by this medium by audio in our custody has solidified the charges brought against the Defendant in that the audio recording is marred by insults and indecent languages that one would expect a man of the stature of the Defendant in society to be far away from but sadly his actions as depicted therein speaks otherwise.

The case has been adjourned to June 17, 2024.

Orange Money and B2B Engage SMEs and SoHo Customers

June 10, 2024

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Orange Money SL, in collaboration with Orange Sierra Leone and its Business-to-Business (B2B) Division, held an engagement forum at the Freetown City Hall, on the 6^th June, 2024, to foster dialogue and enhance service delivery for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Small Office/Home Office (SoHo) customers. The event, aimed at understanding and addressing the needs of business partners underscores Orange’s commitment to customer-centric innovation and service improvement.

The CEO of Orange Money, David Mansaray, in his statement, expressed his enthusiasm for the forum, which was well-attended by business owners. He emphasized the critical role of Orange Money in business transactions, noting that while many attendees were not currently using the service for their business needs, the potential for adoption is promising.

He highlighted the functionalities of Orange Money, including payment collections and disbursements further discussing the platform’s forthcoming features. The CEO announced plans to introduce solutions that facilitate seamless transfers between merchant accounts and banks, alongside other financial services to be rolled out through strategic partnerships.

He said his vision is to simplify financial processes for small business owners, providing them with easier access to loans and other benefits without the burden of extensive documentation.

“Orange Money aims to build a new community relationship by integrating our services into the business landscape. We are excited about the potential to expand our offerings and deepen our connections with SMEs and SoHo customers,” the CEO stated, expressing optimism for future engagements.

Acting CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, Chiekh Mboye, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and growth. He stressed the importance of collaboration and the need for continuous feedback from business partners to enhance Orange’s products and services. He encouraged attendees to actively participate, share their needs and provide feedback to help shape the company’s offerings.

“We believe in the power of partnership and are dedicated to improving our relationships with our customers. This event is a step towards building stronger connections and supporting businesses in achieving success,” he remarked, highlighting Orange’s focus on creating value for its customers.

Annie Wonnie Katta, the Deputy Chief Commercial Officer (DCCO) of Orange, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude to the attendees for their vision and for facilitating seamless integration with Orange’s services. She emphasized that Orange is shifting from a product-centric to a customer-centric approach, tailoring solutions to meet the specific needs of organizations, especially SMEs.

She noted that Orange recognizes the importance of digitalization for business growth and is committed to providing top-notch digital solutions sourced from leading manufacturers worldwide. “We prioritize customer needs and are focused on creating specialized products and services for businesses. Today, we are listening to our customers to understand how we can better support their growth and success,” she explained, highlighting Orange’s extensive infrastructure and its benefits for digital solutions.

During the event, customers were divided into groups and asked to share the problems they were experiencing with Orange’s services and how they could be improved. The interactive sessions allowed attendees to voice their concerns and provide valuable feedback directly to the company’s leadership.

The event concluded with a message of optimism and a commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Orange Sierra Leone, Orange Money and their B2B division are poised to continue supporting SMEs and SoHo customers, driving innovation, and fostering stronger business relationships across Sierra Leone.

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