By Abdul Malik Bangura
The renowned port handler in France with branches in more than 105 countries across the globe, Bolloré Transport and Logistics’ Country Manager, Captain Fabjanko Kokan, has said that investing in human capital is the key to their success in Sierra Leone over the last eight (8) years.
He made this disclosure during a press conference held in the Freetown’s headquarters of Bolloré Transport and Logistics at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay on Tuesday 17th September 2019, where he confirmed that since 2011 when Bolloré Transport and Logistics started operation in Sierra Leone, the company has spent over a million USD on Human Capital Investment in Sierra Leone.
Captain Fabjanko Kokan said that the one million in human capital investment in Sierra Leone comprises the training of over thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans in specializing in various fields. He said they were able to benefit from this initiative because that lessened the amount of experts they would employ as now most of their management positions are occupied by Sierra Leoneans. He said that there are skilled people in Sierra Leone,” adding that since 2011 they have recorded success because majority of their managers and 98 % of their staff are Sierra Leoneans.
He expressed confidence in the output of Sierra Leoneans and said they have trained Sierra Leoneans to even operate cranes worth over 10 Million USD.
The Country Manager of Bolloré Transport and Logistics further spoke about the yearly marathon which his company usually undertakes. He said as part of their commitment to humanity, an amount of 3 Euros is deducted from the salary of each workers, with the funds been given to the SOS children village for the proper care of less privileged children in the country. He assured that this coming year, they will expand now on getting onboard several children and disability organizations. He confirmed that this year’s marathon will take place on 25th September 2019.
Captain Fabjanko Kokan further dilated that Bolloré Transport and Logistics has very good relationship with persons around the areas where they operate. He said as part of their corporate philanthropy the company has undertaken the distribution of sponsorship and scholarship programmes in surrounding communities.
Head of Human Resource at Bolloré Transport and Logistics, Madam Abigeal who made very brief remarks at the press briefing said the company as a way of protecting the welfare of its staff has instituted insurance scheme and medical facilities for workers, their spouse and immediate dependants. She said yearly Bolloré Transport and Logistics spends over 2 Billion Leones on medical of their staff.
The press conference was climaxed by a question and answer session.
