SLPA twins Tema Port of Ghana
The General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), Abu Bangura has disclosed that plans are already completed to merge his institution with the Tema Ports of the Republic of Ghana.
He made this disclosure yesterday while addressing pressmen on his developmental strides since he took up office in 2007.
Mr. Bangura explained that during the period under review, as part of its overall transport policy and in order to follow more productive and efficient contemporary trends in port management, the Government of Sierra Leone decided to transform the management of port from a service port to a landlord port. An arrangement which saw the management of core activities of the port such as container terminal management transferred to a private operator.
The G.M argued that coupled with this policy decision, the Authority in carrying out its operational and developmental task, including steps to improve productivity resulting to an increase in berth.
Mr. Bangura noted that the SLPA also took positive steps to cut down on cost to make the Authority more viable and to implement policies, improve on security, safety and the environment and above all improve the image of the port.
Consequently a significant improvement in the overall improvement of the port in all areas of operation was recorded. This according to him is evident in the number of vessels and containers handled and increase in the total volume of cargo handled, the implementation of key developmental projects and the commissioning of feasible studies for development. The GM boasted that another effect of the positive steps taken by the port authority facilitated the cut down to on costs to increase in the revenue base and the reduction of expenditure.
Highlighting the achievements of his institution so far, Mr. Bangura pointed to the establishment of
- an environmental audit,
- refresher training for pilots,
- tug masters and coxswain,
- contract signed between SLPA and NCP for the implementation of the reform process,
- port reform and privatization/restructuring and refresher courses for employees,
- signing of concession agreement with Bollore African Logistics,
- deployment of a biometric system to monitor staff attendance,
- procurement of pilot boats and navigational aids,
- installation of a CCTV security and complexion of the tender process for the selection of an architectural firm to design the new SLPA office complex.
In conclusion the SLPA GM discussed the Authority’s strategic plan of action by the year ending 2013/2014, ranging from general restructuring of the Authority, identification and selection of staff for the landlord port and the acquisition of funds for payment of benefits, rehabilitation of the Kissy Oil jetty and the construction of a new oil jetty.
The Authority will also embark on completing provision and installation of bollards and fenders and other ancillary land works at the port of Freetown and the provision of waste management equipments, computerization of the entire business process, establishment of the SLPA presence at Nitti port and the extension of berths.
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