In Sierra Lone – National Union of Contractors formed
A National Union of Contractors, seeking to protect and promote the welfare of its members in Sierra Leone has been formed in Freetown. According to the Union’s Interim Chairman, Haroun Pape Jalloh, who is also Managing Director of Jalmans Construction and Commercial Enterprise said the formation of the union was in line with President Koroma’s Agenda for Change which calls on all to contribute to the re-branding process of the country. (Photo: Haroun Pape Jalloh, Interim Chairman (NUC))
He said the union has attracted over fifty members and is opened to all registered local and foreign contractors in the country. As key stakeholders, he pledged their profound determination to compliment government’s effort promoting national development.
The interim chairman stressed the need for the private sector to serve as engine of development and looked forward to the creation of an enabling environment that would enhance the sector’s full participation in the country’s socio-economic development.
Dilating on the importance of the union Mr. Jalloh said it will help change the chequered image of some contractors into a enviable one, restore trust and confidence to its members, serve as ‘bastion and first port of call’ for clients and members of the public seeking redress, effective and efficient service delivery.
“We will go a long way in identifying and weeding unscrupulous and non-performing contractors and provide members with the necessary support, including training to bring sanity into our various fields of endeavour” he added. He pointed out that the union which is currently affiliated to the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and registered with the Ministry of Labour will soon be awarded a bargaining certificate that would enable them carry out their activities after its formal launch.
The Interim Chairman furthered that they are working on the union’s constitution which he assured, will address challenges facing them, including, undue harassment and termination of contracts, untimely and non-payment of contractual fees, unfavourable manner in which some contracts are awarded as well as lack of the necessary criteria and capacity on the part of some contractors to secure and implement contracts successfully.
He also took the opportunity to call on all well-meaning contractors to join the newly formed union and appreciated the role of the media in national development.
By A. Max Konneh
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