By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a bold move to address power outages and fuel mismanagement in the House of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, inspected a newly installed 5,000-liter fuel tank on Monday, November 18, 2024. Installed by NP (SL) Ltd, the automated tank is designed to supply fuel directly to Parliament’s generator, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and enhanced efficiency.
During the inspection, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas emphasized the significance of the installation in addressing chronic power outages and inefficiencies in fuel management, which had long plagued Parliament.
“For years, the issue of fuel shortages has egregiously hindered Parliamentary Service, forcing us to divert critical resources to resolve these problems,” he stated. “Staff manning the generator room frequently demanded large quantities of fuel, 500 liters, 1,000 liters at a time, but inefficiencies and mismanagement persisted, leaving Parliament without power during critical moments.”
The Speaker explained that these recurring challenges prompted Parliament to partner with NP (SL) Ltd to install a centralized fuel tank directly connected to the generator. This setup eliminates the need for intermittent trips to Filling Stations and ensures accurate monitoring of fuel usage.
It must be noted that some of the advantages of the 5,000-Liter Fuel Tank include the provision of a steady and uninterrupted fuel supply to Parliament’s generator, mitigating power outages and ensuring smooth parliamentary operations.
Also, a centralized fuel storage allows for precise monitoring and tracking of consumption, reducing the likelihood of mismanagement or fraudulent practices.
The tank’s installation reduces logistical challenges and frees up resources for other parliamentary needs, optimizing overall operations.
Furthermore, the system’s automation minimizes human interference, further securing fuel usage and protecting Parliament’s operations from disruptions.
Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas expressed confidence in the new system’s ability to bring accountability and transparency to fuel management. “With this fuel tank, we are better placed to monitor consumption and identify any discrepancies,” he said. “If there were corrupt practices in the past, this initiative ensures they will never resurface. The issue of fuel shortage in the generator room is dead, permanently buried and will not resurrect under my leadership as Speaker of the Sixth Parliament.”
During the inspection, NP (SL) Ltd Sales Manager, Vandi Bockarie, lauded Parliament for taking proactive measures to address fuel challenges. He emphasized the critical role of Parliament in Sierra Leone’s governance and reaffirmed NP (SL)’s commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions.
“This installation underscores our dedication to supporting national institutions with safe, secure and efficient energy solutions,” Vandi Bockarie stated. “Parliament plays a pivotal role in our democracy and we are proud to contribute to its smooth functioning.”
The successful installation of the 5,000-liter fuel tank by NP (SL) Ltd represents a significant step forward in streamlining Parliament’s operations. By ensuring a constant power supply and promoting transparency, this initiative positions Parliament to focus on its legislative responsibilities without interruptions.
This development highlights the importance of private-sector partnerships in addressing infrastructural challenges and underscores NP (SL)’s reputation as a reliable petroleum marketing company dedicated to fostering national development.
