By Foday Moriba Conteh
Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), in the implementation of its Corporate Social Responsibility, has demonstrated its commitment to community development. Such materialized on Thursday, January 18, 2024, when the company handed over VIP Toilets and Water Wells worth €70,585 to residents of Wharf Community, Pamuronko Community and Pa Morlai Field Community within Calaba Town, Constituency 114.
The ceremony, held at the Old Wharf Community, marked a significant milestone in SLBL’s WASH Project, funded by the Heineken Africa Foundation (HAF). The symbolic handover was met with appreciation and praise from stakeholders, residents, and dignitaries in attendance.
Corporate Affairs Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Foday Daboh, explained that the initiative was a response to the Calaba Town community’s request for assistance in providing essential facilities.
He revealed how the company, as part of its caring ethos, forwarded the request to the Heineken Africa Foundation, which subsequently approved and funded the implementation of the project within the Old Wharf Community, Pamuronko Community and Pa Morlai Field Community.
Expressing gratitude to the Community and the Project Contractor, Community Agricultural Development Association (CADA-SL), Daboh revealed that over 22,000 residents in these communities would benefit from the completed project.
He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities by ensuring their sustainability and encouraged support for Sierra Leone Brewery Limited through product patronage.
The Corporate Affairs Manager also took the opportunity to appreciate the Sierra Leonean Government for supporting local manufacturers. He noted that the Government’s favorable tax policies, advocated for by local manufacturers, would contribute to the protection of local businesses.
Member of Parliament for Western Urban District, Dr. Unpha Sorie Koroma, expressed excitement and gratitude for the completion of the project and further thanked the Heineken Africa Foundation for the funds and SLBL for addressing the community’s needs. He emphasized the responsibility of corporate entities like SLBL in community development and urged residents to make good use of the facilities.
Denis Jusu, CEO of the Community Agricultural Development Association, praised the communities for their support during the construction process and urged them to utilize the facilities for their collective benefits.
Councillor Mary Kamara, representing one of the WASH facilities Ward, highlighted the significant impact of the project on addressing the felt needs of the community. She commended SLBL and the Heineken Africa Foundation for their support and assured that the facilities would be valued by the community residents.
The official handover ceremony concluded with the transfer of responsibility from the contractor, Community Agricultural Development Association, to Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), and then to Member of Parliament Dr. Unpha Sorie Koroma on behalf of the communities.
