By Amin Kef-Ranger
Although in this modern age of scientific and technological advancement it is difficult to fathom whether there are communities in Sierra Leone that still continue to seriously experience Fuel or Energy Poverty, however, the truth of the matter is that there are but it must be noted that, over time, due to timely interventions that wide gap or lacuna has been largely narrowed down although mitigating Fuel/Energy Poverty will continue to be an ongoing process.
Fuel or energy poverty, in this context, refers to the unavailability of petroleum products within certain localities putting a heavy toll on residents in those communities to easily access them for various uses. There are indeed certain communities within Sierra Leone, especially hard to reach areas, where residents are forced to travel long distances just in a bid to procure petroleum products, such as petrol and diesel, to be used to satisfy various needs. Some need these products to power generators used for commercial purposes, for outboard machines used to power boats (for travelling and fishing purposes), for their motor bikes.
Indeed, difficulty in accessing petroleum products by residents of certain communities definitely leads to compounding socio-economic challenges that only result into accentuating endemic societal poverty evident in high prices and low standards of living by the majority.
It was against this bleak backdrop that the leading importing and marketing Petroleum Company in the country, NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), has been progressively expanding its operations as evident in the commissioning of new Filling Stations in different parts of the country.
Being a dependable or reliable business entity that has, over the years, demonstrated shrewdness and efficiency in the importation and marketing of various petroleum products, among which we have diesel, petrol, gas, lubricants like Castrol Oil as well as other products, NP-SL Ltd has become a household name and many have reposed confidence in it for its timeliness and orderliness.
From time to time, certain savvy business individuals partner or collaborate with the Management of NP-SL Ltd to establish Filling Stations in certain places where hitherto it was extremely difficult to access petroleum products.
Such collaborations are usually bordered on mutual trust and the objective of not only maximizing profits but to meaningfully contribute to overall national development.
NP-SL helps in dealing with the technical aspects for the construction of a standard Filling Station, the specifications which contractors must strictly follow in the construction work. Again, it is the company that provides the calibrated pumping machines.
On the other hand, the investor or entrepreneur is responsible for providing the necessary capital, other infrastructure befitting a standard Filling Station.
NP-SL Ltd supplies the necessary petroleum products and out of the sales made a certain percentage is worked out as to what goes to the petroleum marketing company and to the entrepreneur.
When cognizance is taken of the fact that the opening of new Filling Stations provides employment opportunities for those who are jobless then it is seen that NP-SL Ltd is indeed meaningfully contributing in reducing unemployment.
Looking at it from the perspective that youth unemployment is a real social malaise that most times leads to high crime rates then the fantastic moves made by the company in the area of creating job opportunities are indeed worthy to be celebrated. To take it a little bit further, creating job opportunities is another way of reducing poverty in the country.
In as much as in most of those communities the easy mode of transportation is via motor-bikes and boats easy access to petroleum products by bike riders makes it possible for transport fares to be low and business is done in a brisk manner. The same applies for operators of boats and those using them to conduct some activities.
One way in which the Government derives revenue is through internal mobilization of funds and one channel is via the imposition of various forms of tax. Business entities are bound by law to pay taxes to the National Revenue Authority (NRA). Filling Stations fall within that bracket and by extension they are large tax payers. Those taxes paid are in return utilized by Government to provide basic amenities for the populace and fund other development projects.
It is also on record that the company markets cookers which are known as NP Gas, manufactured in different cylinder sizes. They are environmentally friendly, easy to refill with gas that can be secured at the company’s Filling Stations where NP Gas could also be accessed. In as much as they are marketed at Filling Stations it means residents newly gaining to them will be able to do so at ease.
NP-SL Ltd is one company that long ago made it a laid down policy of predominantly employing indigenes everywhere it is operating. This policy is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy which the company continues to uphold.
Note that the company is also operating in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
It can be safely anchored that indeed NP-SL Ltd’s expansionist drive is largely driven by fuel or energy poverty and through competent, efficient Management initiatives.
NP-SL Ltd has proudly etched its name in the sands of time as a company that is immensely contributing to national development in different fronts.
