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MP Tshombe Appeals for Assistance to Complete Construction of Clock Tower in Taima

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Honourable Member of Parliament for Constituency 098, Dominic Tshombe, intimated that he has appealed to Orange SL, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Njala University and the Kori Descendants Union to give support in order to  complete the ongoing Le 160 Million Clock Tower  project  that under construction  in Taima town, Southern Sierra Leone.

That was disclosed to the media at the project site in Taiama on Saturday 15th May, 2021.

According to Honourable Tshombe, the project, when completed, will be very useful to residents of Kori Chiefdom as it is located in an ideal position in the town.

The Member of Parliament highlighted that prior to the commencement of work on the clock tower, consultations were held with various stakeholders regarding the benefits of the infrastructure to Taiama.

He stated that it was at that point that the Paramount Chief, Thomas Borbor Gbappi 1V, disclosed that he wants to see the clock tower project at Mile 91 replicated in his Chiefdom.

He further intimated that the Ambassador to China, H.E Ernest Ndomahina, promised to provide the clock tower when consulted on the development project.

MP Tshombe stated that a town hall meeting was held in Taiama on the 23rd March, 2019 during which the Paramount Chief of Kori Chiefdom, PC Thomas B. Gbappi IV, the Chiefdom Speaker of Njama, Kowa Chiefdom Chief Emmanuel George and representatives from Kamajei Chiefdom were present during which time the project was launched.

He said other matters relating to the development and challenges of Constituency 098 were tabled and discussed.

Speaking further, he revealed that an account was opened at the Taiama Community Bank for individuals to make donations for the project adding that at the time of the launch, the total estimate for the project was Le120 Million and it was supposed to have been completed before the end of that year.

According to him with the sail pace of funding, the cost now stands at Le160 Million taking into consideration the increase in the cost of building materials.

He informed that Francis Lahai, the engineer that is doing the job is striving very hard to see the completion of the historical project provided that funds are available.

The Member of Parliament informed that on the day of the launch, Thirty Million Leones (Le30, 000,000) worth of building materials were handed over to engineer Lahai by him.

MP Tshombe said he personally spent over seventy-five million Leones (Le75, 000,000) on the project revealing how one Mr Phyne in the United States of America contributed One Hundred Dollars and Alex Comber also contributed.

He appealed to organizations, business houses and individuals from Kori Chiefdom to contribute towards the completion of the Clock Tower Project concluding that donations can be made by cash, cheque or through the provision of materials.

Kwabena Resources Ltd Poised to Invest Millions of Dollar in Valunia Chiefdom

Chief Executive Officer of the City Voice Newspaper, Emmanuel Stanford

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended Press Conference held on the 17th May, 2021 at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Hall on Campbell Street in Freetown the Kwabena Resources Limited disclosed that they are set to invest millions of Leones in Valunia Chiefdom if granted a concession license to undertake full scale gold mining operations within the Chiefdom.

Updating the Press on the mining lease application for the Bahumahum mines, the Chief Executive Officer of the City Voice Newspaper, Emmanuel Stanford, revealed that his institution has been investigating the said issue of the granting of mining licenses to companies that have manifested interest to go into operations.

He said based on investigation they were able to unearth certain things about the said mining companies furthering that according to their findings they arrived at the following conclusion:

That Kwabena Resources Limited has disclosed that they are ready and willing to invest millions of Leones in Valunia Chiefdom if granted the concession license to carry out full scale Gold Mining operation in the Chiefdom, adding how it was stated that in less than two years the company will commence large scale gold production in the country.

He also added that the company has also disclosed that it has up to 250 million United States dollar to invest in Valunia Chiefdom adding how the company will also provide more than 400 jobs for young people with a pledge of 20-40 million dollars as annual royalty payment to Government furthering that the company will also pay 4 Million Dollars advance payment to the Community Development Fund.

Emmanuel Stanford also pointed out that the company  also has a Community Development Action Plan in place among which is the preservation of the Kangari Hills Forestry Reserve, adding that 4-5 million dollar shares will be put in a Trust for the benefit of Sierra Leoneans.

He said  they believe that the company has the financial capacity and technical expertise than all the other companies that applied for license to undertake such large scale mining in that chiefdom.

The City Voice CEO also disclosed that four companies applied to Government for concession license. He then urged Government to award the license to the company that is ready to work in the interest of the people.

He revealed that during their investigations they noticed that Plateau Gold Limited which, supposedly, later changed its name to FG Gold Limited, submitted an application for an Environmental License on the 11th November 2020 when the Baomahun Company secured a license for another company called Algom.

He also maintained that Plateau Gold Limited has Kosonike Koso-Thomas as the only shareholder registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission also adding that Nani Gopal Chakrabory is again the only shareholder registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

He said that when Plateau Gold Limited supposedly changed its name to FG Gold Limited it appeared that it never happened since there is no paper trail at the company registry to show that Plateau Gold Limited changed its name to FG Gold Limited because according to him FG Gold Limited was registered in January 2021 as a new company and according to the Corporate Affairs Commission if there was a change of name that should be in the file of Plateau Gold Limited.

In his conclusion he said Plateau Gold Limited appears not to have changed its name to FG Gold Limited as per existing legal records at the Corporate Affairs Commission, adding that the company has not shown evidence of National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) clearance furthering that they have also failed to avail a ESHIA report to the public before public disclosure meetings as required by law.

It was at that juncture that he urged the Government of Sierra Leone to do due diligence in granting  a concession License to companies to carry out full scale Gold Mining operations in the Chiefdom of which he said the Government should consider a company that will work for the interest of the people, adding that  some of the companies vying for the concession license have been awarded exploration license for over 5 years, but have not made any meaningful development in their areas of operations but instead they have only exploited the resources of the people and failed to honour their obligations to the landowners as well as their Corporate Social Responsibilities.

NP-SL Ltd Maintains its Position of Marketing High Grade Petroleum Products

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the dominant companies that have been making steady progress, growing by leaps and bounds within the business landscape of this country is indisputably the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). It is widely acknowledged that the company has dominated the petroleum trade in the country based on its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil.

Being an indigenous company that cherish its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it has effectively rolled out over the years to such an extent that it has earned the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing 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 contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. 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 and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

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 make use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured a nd suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious company that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is a truly a success story!

Dr. Baluwa Koroma Takes PRA from the Doldrums to Become a Vibrant Regulator

By Amin Kef Sesay

Without any gainsay the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) today has a new face within the petroleum landscape of the country. The almost dysfunctional PRA that many used to know few years back is now a very vibrant public institution that has not only brought sanity within the petroleum sector in this country but is generating huge revenue for Government.

The transformation that we are witnessing did not just materialize out of the blues but was made possible by the sheer competence of the person who is at the helm of affairs, Dr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, as the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency.

In an exclusive interview with the PRA Chairman, Dr. Brima Baluwa Koroma, he intimated that PRA was established to license and regulate the efficient importation, storage, transportation and distribution of petroleum products so as to ensure their regular availability to consumers across the country, adding that when he took over as the Executive Chairman he met 200 Filling Stations in the country but proudly said that for now there are now 340 Filling Stations nationwide.

The PRA Boss furthered that as a regulatory agency they are not really satisfied that most of these Filling Stations are located within the Western Area with limited ones in the provinces stating that his institution is encouraging investors to open up Gas Stations in other deprived areas in Sierra Leone.

He cited the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Ltd as a petroleum business entity that is contributing over 500 Billion Leones in the payment of taxes to Government on a yearly basis adding that last year PRA raised 753 Billion Leones of which the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone  Ltd contributed 60 percent of the said amount raised by PRA.

Dr. Koroma reassured the Oil Marketing Companies of Government’s commitment to create the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

He stated that he came in at a time when the petroleum sector was in desperate need of reforms as unresolved challenges continued to impact the sector with weak investor appetite adding that the sector was having limited players, frequent supply disruption and declined Government revenue.

The result-oriented PRA Executive Chairman revealed that his first move after his appointment was focused on rolling out three initiatives which he considered to be critical. He mentioned how he and his team were able to develop policies to expand the market space, brought back fairness to stimulate efficiency as well as transparency.

Dr. Koroma further explained that he, his colleagues and other stakeholders then went on to embark on the development of the petroleum industry infrastructure with a view to attract new players, look at the possibility of resuscitating the oil refinery, constructing tank farms across the regions, bulk transportation and retailing stating that such will enhance petroleum product security and affordability and lastly, by enforcing compliance through their District Monitoring Officers to their petroleum laws and tax commitments.

He disclosed that petroleum revenue increased from Le473billion in 2018 to Le753billion in 2020 maintaining that such a remarkable achievement crystallized as a result of robust monitoring and efficient revenue management reforms further stating how the sector now contributes 15% to the country’s domestic revenue drive.

He said close monitoring of available stocks of oil marketing companies has been heightened which puts the PRA at a vantage position to appropriately advise them to have an adequate supply.

The PRA Boss said such has made petroleum importation grew by 27.9% from 340,060 metric tons in 2018 to 459,960 metric tons in 2020 and annual sales and distribution recorded 416 million litres in 2020 with an improved run-rate expected in 2021.

Dr. Koroma disclosed that Platts, which is another determiner for the price of fuel, used to be another challenge for the Agency and they used to rely on data from oil marketing companies to know whether there would be any increase or decrease in the world market. “That kind of situation made the Agency to be in a disadvantaged position to know movement in the world market,” he said adding that now the PRA has its own Platts with twenty-four hours updates which have made them follow every trend in the world market.

He concluded by stating that he would want to see the Petroleum Regulatory Agency as a viable industry in order for every sector within the value chain get the most of their regulatory framework as there is a clear trend towards an improved service delivery sector, maximized economic benefits and improved revenue for the Government.

During State Opening of Parliament…   President Bio Outlines Achievements & Future Plans

By Amin Kef Sesay

 On the 18th May 2021 His Excellency, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Brigadier Retired Dr. Julius Maada Bio addressed the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra in the Chamber of Parliament; occasioning the proclamation of the Fourth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.

Pursuant to Section 84 (3) of Act No. 6 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone the President presented an address to Parliament on the State of the Nation (SONA); including his legislative agenda, articulating his policies and programmes that have been implemented, and those that will be implemented for the realization of his manifesto promises contained in the people’s manifesto, otherwise known as the “New Direction”.

Present were the Speaker of Parliament, the Honourable Vice President, the Honourable Chief Justice, the First Lady, the Honourable Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Ministers of Government, Honourable Members Of Parliament, Members of The Diplomatic And Consular Corp and  Development Partners.

Talking of Human Capital Development he said after 60 years of Independence, there can be no better tribute to our nation’s founding fathers than a determination to operationalize meaningful Human Capital Development.

He said his Government will take action to maintain healthcare financing at sustainable levels; continue to reduce maternal and under-five mortality rates; recruit and train more healthcare staff; invest in quality mental healthcare; improve patient referral, transportation, and blood services; upgrade medical and diagnostic equipment; and upgrade healthcare infrastructure.

Dilating on the National Agricultural Transformation Programme he said his Government remains committed to implementing programmes and activities to boost rice self-sufficiency, crop diversification, livestock development, and sustainable forest and biodiversity management.

On education, the President said more than at any time in the nation’s history, more children, including girls and other excluded child populations, are now in school at no expense to their parents and guardians, that they are provided with free learning materials, more school facilities and infrastructure, school-feeding facilities, and school buses.

On science, Technology and Innovation he stated that he instituted the first ever Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) in the Office of the President after recognizing the immense value of science and technology to help solve some of the nation’s challenges, support governance, drive development with innovation, and support the shaping of the future of this nation.

Talking of Information and Communications he said his Government, through Parliament repealed the obnoxious, fifty-five-year old criminal libel law saying no journalist is in prison for the practice of journalism.

On Governance Reform he said the country is eligible to develop a compact in recognition of his Government’s performance in investing in people, ruling justly, and economic freedom.

The President said the country’s foreign policy will continue to enhance Sierra Leone’s voice, legitimacy, and representation in the international arena stating that premised on the thrust of the country’s diplomacy, they have expanded full diplomatic representation to the Republic of Turkey and the Kingdom of Morocco.

In terms of Development Planning he intimated that his Government has validated, popularized, and is now implementing the priorities set out in the Medium Term National Development Plan.

In terms of Social Protection he said his Government is committed to achieving a stronger recovery and greater community resilience in the post COVID-19 period.

Dilating on infrastructure the First Gentleman told Members of Parliament that his Government has argued from the outset that purposeful infrastructural projects will expand the economy, support job creation, and support service delivery right across the country.

He stated that they have made significant progress in constructing over 200 kilometres of Major Township and trunk roads in the Western Area and some parts of the provinces.

Talking of the Transportation Sector he said Civil Works for the Sierra Leone Integrated Urban Mobility Project are advanced and public transportation in the Freetown area will be modernized as a consequence. He said Commuters will soon have a large fleet of buses (including private sector operators), transit terminals, overpass bridges, bus stops, and a market at Lumley.

Talking of the Economy, Monetary Policy and Trade he pointed out that the Government, through the Ministry of Finance continues to implement sound economic policies and public financial management reforms that are geared towards maintaining a stable economy and responding to the financial and socioeconomic shocks brought about by the pandemic.

On Mines and Mineral Resources the President informed that natural resource extraction has not had the requisite impact on developing the economy. He said in spite of shrinking investment capital and supply chain and logistics constraints as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mining sector has remained relatively buoyant and  new mining companies have started operations.

On Fisheries  the President informed that his Government has put in place effective fisheries management and governance policies to achieve sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation goals through a strengthened policy and regulatory framework, scientific fish stock assessments and data collection, and by deterring and minimizing illegal, unreported, and unregulated activities in the country’s territorial waters.

On the Environment, its sustainability and resilience he said addressing environmental issues is critical for sustainable development. He said to improve environmental outcomes, Government is reviewing and updating various legislation, promoting sustainable environmental protection including national reforestation and timber management initiatives, managing and conserving wetlands, and furthering community-based environmental education.

On Sports he revealed how his Government has reviewed the regulatory and policy instruments for sports development, increased budgetary support to sports, and instituted an operational National Sports Authority to govern and develop sports in Sierra Leone.

In terms of Public Safety and Security, Immigration and Peacekeeping he intimated that Government has completed the first fire stations in Kailahun, Pujehun, Western Rural, and Kabala stating that additional fire stations will be constructed in the coming year in Port Loko, Bonthe, and Tonkolili.

He said the Government has strengthened coordination among various agencies to tackle statelessness, deter trafficking in persons, curtail the proliferation of small arms, and prevent the illegal trade in narcotics.

Talking of the RSLAF he said at the strategic level, his Government is developing a Defence Policy framework that commits the RSLAF to both operating effectively and supporting national development. He said Government is constructing accommodation facilities, rolling out a 25% salary increment over three years, expanding the mandate of the Armed Forces Technical Education College, investing in the Armed Forces Agricultural Unit, and establishing a full-scale Army Engineering Unit.

In terms of Labour and Social Security he said Government has harmonized and enforced labour laws, maintained a close eye on worker migration, monitored occupational health and safety, operationalized a central employment exchange and a work permit bureau, and successfully arbitrated industrial relations disputes.

Talking about Tourism President Bio said it is critical to economic diversification and job creation adding that in spite of COVID-19, his Government has engaged partners and local communities to produce a tourism assets register, develop eco-tourism and other tourism products, clean and beautify beaches, provide skills training for entrepreneurs and stakeholders in tourism, and to take other steps to promote tourism in Sierra Leone.

With regards Youth Policy he informed how Government sees the youth bulge in Sierra Leone as an opportunity, hence the heavy investment in human capital development at all levels. He said as a demonstration of that commitment to build the capacity of youth, create jobs, and generate new career pathways for youth, his Government has revised the National Youth Policy and developed a five -year sector strategic plan.

In terms of increasing Energy Access President Bio stated that  Government sees vigorous energy sector reform as critical to economic growth, health, and social well-being adding that more households are now connected to the grid than in 2018.

On Access to Water he said Government will present legislation for better management of interventions in the water and sanitation sector stating how additional measures have been developed for dam safety, water use and catchments, ground water use, pollution control, water consumer service, and service provider reporting rules.

Touching on Land Reform and Housing he said that Government believes that land reform should focus on legally framing and safeguarding rights within the context of tensions between formal and informal/customary rights; streamlining and modernizing land delivery; encouraging the sustainable use of land and responsible investment; maintaining a coherent database of all land; and, providing fair mechanisms for land disputes resolution.

On National Cohesion and Democracy he said legislation that establishes an Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion has been ratified. He furthered that the National Commission for Democracy and the National Council for Civic Education and Development are leading on civic-oriented activities aimed at fostering good citizenship that is favorable to the functioning of our democracy.

Dilating on Institutional Effectiveness and Reform the President stated that Government remains committed to strengthening public sector institutions and public service delivery. He said a Public Service Bill will be brought forward and my Government will review the Civil Service Code.

On the Judiciary he said every citizen should benefit from a fair, impartial, and effective justice system adding that his Government has supported the appointment of 15 more High Court judges and 11 more magistrates further revealing that there are now regular High Court criminal sessions in Pujehun, Tonkolili, Bonthe, Kambia, Koinadugu, Kailahun, Moyamba, Port Loko, and Kono districts.

On Gender, Women’s Empowerment the President stated that Government will take more action to protect especially women and girls from sexual and gender based violence. He revealed how the Child Rights Act (2007) will be updated and a National Street Children Strategy will be presented.

Sierra Palms Bags Travelers’ Choice Award 2021

By Amin Kef Sesay

Sierra Palms, which is one of the leading Hotels in the country  has on Tuesday 18th May 2021, made a milestone by being a proud recipient of the Travellers’ Choice Award 2012.

The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award is only given to hotels that have consistently earned great reviews from travellers and they are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

According to the Management of Sierra Palms Hotels, the award does not came as a surprise to them, adding that they have all what it takes to be ranked amongst top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

The Management of Sierra Palms Hotels furthered that they are proud to receive the 2021 Tripadvisor, Travelers Choice Award.

The purpose of this award ceremony is to celebrate travellers’ favorite hotels, restaurants and airlines around the world and also honoring 4,817 unique businesses. Winners are calculated based on the quality and quantity of the millions of reviews, opinions and ratings collected on Tripadvisor in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Tripadvisor is the world’s largest travel guidance platform that helps hundreds of millions of people each month to become better travellers, from planning to booking and taking a trip.

Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those that have been to places where they want to travel.

With more than 887 million reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.

As a travel guidance company available in 49 markets and 28 languages, Tripadvisor makes planning easy no matter the trip type. The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP), own and operate a portfolio of online travel brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps.

Tourism Ministry & Tourist Board Turn Sod for Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of Hotel and Classrooms

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Tourist Board (NTB), with support from the Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Project (STDPP) financed by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Tier 2 has in a ceremony held at the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET), on the 14th May 2021, turned the sod for the reconstruction/rehabilitation of a 24 bedroom hotel, kitchen, prep/service room and 6 classrooms of the Hotel and Tourism Training Centre (HTTC), Brookfields Campus.

Stating the purpose of bringing stakeholders together for the occasion, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Andrew L. Sorie disclosed that the Ministry and NTB have taken the cue from President Bio to build human resource capital furthering that in order for the hospitality sector to grow it must be treated with the importance and quality it deserves, hence the reconstruction/rehabilitation of the facilities of the Hotel and Tourism Training Centre (HTTC).

The General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Kroma, while giving an overview of the project stated that the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Project (STDPP), financed by the EIF Trust Fund, started on the 20th May, 2012 after the execution and signing of the MOU between the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Government of Sierra Leone.

She revealed that the total fund committed was USD2, 990,000 for a period of three years to undertake development initiatives proposed by NTB that covers sector governance, product development, marketing and capacity building.

The National Tourist Board General Manager  noted that the project was forestalled and at the risk of losing the funding opportunity, but with the appointments of the current Tourism Minister and the Minister of Trade, they pioneered the conversation with the EIF Donor Partners for the recommencement of the project, adding that in consideration of the prudent fiscal financial management policies of the Government as well as the leadership style exhibited by the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, approval was given to recommence the STDPP-EIF Tier 2 on the proviso that the project should be repackaged and aligned with the National Mid-Term Development Plan/Agenda.

She concluded that the project was repackaged and approved in February, 2020 at the tune of USD1.5Million.

The Principal, MMCET, Dr. Phillip Kanu said that for us to move as a nation, tourism must be at the forefront, hence the reconstruction/rehabilitation of the HTTC Brookfields Campus. He applauded Dr. Pratt and the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Professor Alpha T. Wurie, for their roles in reviving the MMCET.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward H. Sandy, in his remarks said that one of the best ways to change the nation is to strengthen its human capacity to meet the demands of the labor market, domestically and internationally. He furthered that Sierra Leone has numerous potentials, particularly within the tourism sector which are largely untapped.

In his statement, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Professor Alpha T. Wurie gave a brief background of MMCET saying that Sierra Leone began to think futuristically many years ago. He expressed delight that the Ministry of Tourism is investing in its own property, the MMCET. He furthered that MMCET will be a Technical University with degree options in Tourism. He applauded the Principal of MMCET, Dr. Phillip Kanu for the leadership shown in restructuring MMCET.

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt in her keynote address maintained that despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Tourism and Hospitality sectors, her Ministry has undertaken many reforms and infrastructural developments with the focus on positioning the industry to becoming a powerful catalyst for improving the socio-economic conditions of Sierra Leoneans.

She said that the success and competitiveness of the country’s touristic destination highly depends on the competence and quality of our human resource base or capacity that requires suitable expertise in order to provide the appropriate services for the Tourism and Hospitality industry, hence the turning of the sod for the construction of the training college as a clear signal of the expected increase in demand for a technical tertiary training college on hospitality management.

Dr. Memunatu Pratt pointed out that the drive to transform the Tourism and Hospitality sector is based on five pillars; tapping into new markets, developing new products, promoting investments, building new partnerships and strengthening human capital. She noted that President Bio, under his leadership, prioritized Human Capital Development as his flagship program that aims at generating a critical sector of highly educated, trained and skilled citizens with the capacity to undertake research and development, pursue innovations and learning and start productive SMEs.

The Minister stated that the repackaged Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Project (STDPP) prioritizes the Hotel and Tourism Training Centre (HTTC), with the view of addressing several needs, saying that the HTTC needs substantial refurbishment and renovation of its facilities that include the 24 bedroom hotel, classrooms, kitchen and prep and serving rooms.

She concluded by applauding the Government led by President Bio and particularly the former Minister of Finance, Jacob J. Saffa for their roles in ensuring that the Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Project (STDPP) is launched.

Sierra Leone Women Vegetable Farmers face huge losses due to the Corona Pandemic

By Anthony Vandy

Agriculture in Sierra Leone is a significant part of the country’s economy. Data by Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) shows that two-third of the country’s population is involved in agriculture. Amidst this, vegetable farmers in the country, mostly in the Western Rural District are women; some widows and others single parents.

With all the development of growing vegetables there has been some challenges due to the current COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the world. The Sierra Leone Vegetable Farmers have been faced with challenges of sales stations, storage facilities, low sales etc. due to some of the rules set to eliminate the pandemic.

Women vegetable farmers and traders in Regent Village in the Western Rural District have expressed frustration over the fall in prices for their produce resulting in huge losses following the Government’s ban on periodic markets and placing movement restrictions in the country due to the CORONA pandemic.

Vegetable farmers and traders usually transport their goods to markets in the capital, Freetown, for sale to other traders and consumers. According to these farmers and traders, things have become different during the COVID-19 pandemic as sales are now very slow and profits very low.

Mariama Kietta, is the Deputy Women’s Leader for the National Federation of Farmers and the Coordinator for the Ogoo Farmers Association in the Western Rural District.

During a recent interview, she explained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic their livelihoods have been severely affected as they are faced with reduced access to markets and customers. Their Cooperative, she said, is made up of thirty groups with a total of 750 women across the country underscoring that vegetable farming and trading are their sole source of income to support themselves and their families.

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, according to Mariama, “each group used to plant two to five acres of vegetables to produce cabbages, tomatoes, garden eggs, lettuces, onions, carrots, pepper, etc., with a turnover worth Le 7 million ($700), but that this has changed drastically as we have been discouraged to embark on large-scale farming because of lockdowns and ban on social gathering that limits our access markets.”

She disclosed that the prices of vegetables are now determined by traders and customers because they lack access to markets.

“A bag of cabbage which we use to sell at Le 700,000 ($70) is now Le 500,000 ($50) and we are forced to sell that way because we do not have storage facilities that can preserve these perishable commodities”, she stated.

Recalling the huge losses she and others incurred she said, “this is the worst time in the history of vegetable farming as our only source of livelihood has been ruined because of the ban on travel and social gathering”.

She explained that every week, they used to transport sixty tons of vegetables to markets in Freetown, but on one of the days they were about to do so, some authorities suddenly prevented them from travelling. “Our vegetables perished like nobody’s business by the time we were preparing to pay back a loan we took from a community bank,” she lamented.

The Small Holders Commercialization and Agribusiness Business Development Project (SCADeP) is a state institution set up to support local farmers.

Abraham Carl Samura is the Communications Person. In an interview on the 5th May, 2021, he said the organization is helping vegetable farmers by distributing seedlings to different villages and districts across the country to farmers who have been affected by the Corona pandemic. “We are aware of the challenges vegetable farmers are faced with during this pandemic, that’s why we are giving them support because if not, they will no longer farm or take care of their families,” Samura disclosed.

Talking to this medium on a site visit during an interview on May 4, 2021, Sylvanus Keha Koroma a farmer said that before now they were faced with the challenges of climate change, accessing advanced farming technologies, tools, seedlings and loans, storage facilities and a wider market. “COVID-19 has made things worse for us, especially the women. We were fighting to cope with our existing challenges as the pandemic did not only come with its own challenges but made things worse,” he added.

Sylvanus called on the Government and agribusiness institutions, including banks to work with vegetable farmers, especially women who are very committed to the trade and has been gravely affected by the CORONA pandemic. “The COVID pandemic has brought so many problems on vegetable farming and trading and yet no barter system has been involved with customers and fellow gardeners” he said.

This story was put together with a fellowship support from Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).

With Bumbuna Under Maintenance…   Shortfall in Generation Causes Rationing of Electricity in Freetown & Makeni

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Management of Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has on the 14th May 2021 stated that it wishes to inform the general public that it has received a notice letter from its sister company the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC)  stating that the usual annual maintenance work on the Bumbuna Hydro Electric Power Dam will commence on the 17th May to  the 26th May, 2021 at 7am for a period of 10 days.

It was revealed that the Operations and Maintenance Contractors Webuild will carry out the maintenance activities geared towards lengthening the life of the Bumbuna Dam so that it will continue to serve the public in a much effective, reliable and sustainable manner.

“The Management of EDSA wants the public to know that upon commencement of this activity there will be a shortfall in generation which will lead to rationing of electricity in Makeni and Freetown,” it was also pointed out adding that, however, the Authority shall ensure equitable distribution of power supply to all their valued customers as best as they can.

It was concluded that members of the public are required to make complaints to EDSA by calling 672 or 079695104 in situations of sectional power outages that may be as a result of fault.

“The Authority further assures the public that upon completion of the maintenance activity, Bumbuna will be connected to the grid to carry on with its normal generation activity,” the Management maintained while thanking  their our valued customers for their patience and understanding as the seek to better their service.

NP-SL Unveils ‘Gifted Hands Gas Station’ at Mosongo-Njala Kori Chiefdom

By Amin Kef Sesay

With the objective to make their products and services easily accessible to all and sundry across the country, the country’s widely renowned petroleum marketing company in the country also vibrantly operating in some countries in the West African sub-region, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited has on Saturday 15th May, 2021 commissioned an Ultra-Modern Filling Station at Mosongo-Njala Kori Chiefdom Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone, named as Gifted Hands Gas Station.

Gracing the occasion were the Director-General of NASSIT, Fuaad Dabor, the former Deputy Inspector General of Police, FUK Dabor among other personalities.

In his address, the Proprietor of Gifted Hands Gas Station, Hadji Dabo, expressed gratitude to the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker and the entire Management of the petroleum marketing company for their relentless support in ensuring that the establishment of the Filling Station becomes a reality.

He also extended gratitude to the community stakeholders of Mosongo-Njala Kori Chiefdom for their support since the commencement of the project and up to its completion furthering that the commissioning of the new Filling Station shows that commitment and determination pay saying it is also a fulfillment of their vision to give back to society.

Hadji Dabo disclosed that with the commissioning of the Filling Station in Mosongo-Njala, Kori Chiefdom, such will help to ease fuel shortage constraints residents have been facing in that part of the country stating that it will help in creating jobs for residents of Kori Chiefdom and beyond.

He called on residents of Kori Chiefdom to take ownership of the Filling Station pointing out that it will not only benefit the Dabo family but also majority of the residents of Kori Chiefdom and its environs.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, (NP SL-Ltd), Kobi Walker, assured residents of Kori Chiefdom that with this new Fuel Station the issue of fuel shortage will become a thing of the past.

He maintained that NP-SL remains firm in optimizing customer care disclosing how they are doing exceptionally well in the importation and marketing of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, Gas and lubricants of which the most widely used and sought after is Castrol Oil.

The CEO said with the new Filling Station in Kori Chiefdom such will not only make fuel available for residents at all times and went on to extend thanks to Hadji Dabo and Jorfui Kandeh-Dabo (Mrs), wife of the former, for believing in the mission and vision of NP-SL Ltd which, he said, prompted them to partner with the Proprietor.

He also extended appreciation to His Excellency, President Maada Bio, for making a great decision when he was Head of State in 1996, by not allowing various international companies that showed interest to take over NP-SL intimating that His Excellency, at that time, said the company should be left in the hands of Sierra Leoneans furthering that the President knew that if NP-SL is operated by Sierra Leoneans they will in turn empower other Sierra Leoneans which, he said, that is what they are doing currently as a company and in that regard he encouraged all to see NP-SL as their own saying the company is owned by Sierra Leoneans.

In his statement, the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), Dr.Brima Baluwa Koroma, commended NP-SL Ltd for commissioning another NP-SL Gas Station in the Southern Region.

He revealed that PRA was established to license and to regulate the efficient importation, storage, transportation and distribution of petroleum products so as to ensure their regular availability to consumers across the country, adding that when they took over they met 200 Filling Stations in the country but said within three years there are now 340 Filling Stations nationwide.

The PRA Boss said as a regulating agency they are not satisfied that most of these Filling Stations are within Freetown with limited ones in the provinces and went on to  encourage  NP-SL Ltd and investors  to continue the good work in terms of efficient national service delivery by extending its operations to other deprived areas in Sierra Leone.

He disclosed that NP-SL Ltd  is contributing over 500 Billion Leones in the payment of taxes to Government yearly adding that last year they made 753 Billion Leones of which he said NP-SL Ltd contributed 60 percent of the said amount raised by PRA.

Dr. Koroma reassured the Oil Marketing Companies of Government’s commitment to create the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

The Honorable Member of Parliament for Constituency 098, Moyamba District, Hon. Dominic Lavalie-Tshombe described the construction of the Filling Station as a laudable venture geared towards addressing the issue of fuel scarcity in Kori Chiefdom and its environs.

He said that as an Honorable Member of Parliament he has been looking for private local investors that can boost the efforts of Government, adding that with Gifted Hands Gas Station strategically placed in his Constituency it will serve the entire Njala Community and its environs.

He said that intermittently there have been undesirable issues relating to the accessibility of fuel in Kori Chiefdom especially in times of crisis but said he is of the strong conviction that with the new Fuel Station those will be things of the past. He further thanked the Proprietor and wife, Mr. & Mrs. Hadji Dabo and their family for rolling out the brilliant initiative in bringing development to the town.

Lamin Kamara, a representative of Bike Riders in Kori Chiefdom expressed appreciation to Mr. & Mrs. Hadji Dabo and NP-SL for the commissioning of the Filling Station in Kori Chiefdom, noting that as bike riders they have been faced with a lot of constraints in securing fuel furthering that they had to go to nearby villages to secure fuel but said with this new NP-SL Filling Station it will surely address those constraints.

Mrs. Jorfui Kandeh-Dabo gave a synopsis of how Gifted Hands Gas Station was conceived and developed.

The event was climaxed with the cutting of tape by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, (NP SL-Ltd), Kobi Walker, the Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Dr.Brima Baluwa Koroma, and the Honorable Member of Parliament Constituency 098 Moyamba District, Hon. Dominic Lavalie-Tshombe, signifying the opening of the new Filling Station.

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