Addax Hosts CSOs
Addax Bio Energy Limited Sierra Leone on Friday 7th September, 2012 hosted the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Mr. Joseph Kamara, representatives of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) and National Commission for Democracy (NCD) to inform them about the company’s activities in the country.
According to the Addax Executive Manager, Mr. Derek Higgo, the company is currently using the Brazilian type of sugarcane technology for the production of ethanol which is expected to be exported to Europe and other parts of the world.
Mr. Derek Higgo also told the delegation that the company would cultivate 10,000 hectares of sugarcane and produce 1 million tones of ethanol per annum in addition to producing electricity to complement the Bumbuna dam.
He further revealed that the company plans to employ over 2,000 workers to help minimize unemployment in the country and enhance development within its operational areas revealing that the 267 million Euro project is the first in the history of Sierra Leone.
He concluded that the aim of the company is sustainability and urged government and the people of Sierra Leone to help protect the company to enable it implement its projects disclosing that the company has over 20,000 people in its operational areas with about 90 villages benefitting from its corporate social responsibility.
The Environment Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Lloyd Clark disclosed that the company implements environmental and mitigation impacts to protect the environment and ensure a legacy for future generations as well as protects local inhabitants and workers.
He further disclosed that the company has been guided by the Social Environmental Management Plan, the outcome of the Environment Social Health Impact Assessment conducted by the company.
Lloyd Clark went on to state that the company is closely monitoring major environmental aspects of the project and produces monthly reports enlightening that the company has so far planted 56,000 trees in its operational areas and articulated that most of the trees are of economic value that would generate income for the community.
The Factory Manager informed the delegation that the company is in the process of constructing a modern factory for the production of ethanol for export.
Addax Project Development Officer, Ibrahim Fofanah said the Graduate Advancement Program (GAP) is to train Sierra Leoneans in various professional fields in the project adding that the company has selected students from nine University and Colleges for the program.
He said every two-three years, Addax Bio-energy recruits students for the GAP program depending on the capacity of each department to absorb more than one trainee at a time maintaining that the company would soon advertise for the program.
Ibrahim Fofanah also disclosed the introduction of numeracy, literacy and life skills education programs aimed at improving the capacity of members of staff.
A question and answer session climaxed the visit to the company’s various operational sites.
By Ragan M. Conteh
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