Sierra Leone Ports Authority response to missing containers and vehicles

Following several publications and discussions in the print and electronic media on the alleged missing 66 containers and 7 vehicles at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, the Management of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) wishes to establish the following:

That the conduct of the auction process is not the sole responsibility of the SLPA, but that of a Committee comprising but not limited to representatives of the Customs and Excise Department of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the Ministry of Finance, the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), and the Auctioneer as provided in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) Best Practice Guide for Auction of February, 2010.

The said Best Practice provides in Clause 2.0 for the Auction Committee to publicise the necessary information as soon as a decision has been taken on the abandoned or uncleared goods slated for auction.

Such publicity shall be made in the print and electronic media and in the Sierra Leone Gazette. This is to provide a level ground for competition to potential bidders and to afford CONSIGNEES the LAST OPPORTUNITY of stepping forward to clear their wares.

It is important that in accordance with ACC’s Best Practice Guide, EVEN AFTER PUBLICATION, CLAIMS WILL STILL BE ENTERTAINED FORM THE PUBLIC/CONSIGNEES UNTIL THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE AUCTION PROCESS which is marked by the ringing of the bell by the Auctioneer.

Management wishes it to be known that the procedures for the conduct of the auction process were complied with to the letter by the Auction Committee.

BE THAT AS IT MAY, a Committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, SLPA, NRA & FTL, has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the “alleged missing” containers and vehicles.

The outcome of the investigations would be communicated to the general public in due time.

By the Public Relations Division, SLPA

Press release

CONTAINERS AND VEHICLES FOR AUCTION

Particular reference is now being made to the allegation, captioned in the Standard Times Newspaper edition of Tuesday, October 1, 2013 following:

“BOLLORE IMPLICATED: 66 CONTAINERS, 7 VEHICLES STOLEN”

The allegation states that containers and vehicles already listed for auction disappeared from container terminal apparently stolen with the connivance of Bollore officials.

The Freetown Terminals Ltd., responsible for the management of the container terminal is obligated to provide a list of all full containers 60 days and over, in its custody within the terminal, to the Management of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority for the purpose of initiating an auction.

A list of containers was provided in June 2013 the SLPA for processing towards an auction. No auction was announced for two months until 21 August 2013 when the list was published in the Sierra Leone Gazette.

Within the delayed period of two months, the legitimate owners of the containers processed their papers for the release of their containers. Release documents were obtained form shipping lines, the necessary processing was done by Customs with the duties paid by the owners and the appropriate customs release of the cargo obtained.

The Customs release documentation presented to Freetown Terminal Ltd. means Customs approval has been given for the release of the container after the payment of all charges.

The containers in question were released on proper Customs release documents which Freetown Terminal Management in procedure does not deny. The company does not initiate release of cargo but is at the end of the chain after all Shipping Agents release, Customs release after all Government dues have been collected.

In the circumstances there were no errors or deception as alleged on the part of Freetown Terminal or its official as the cargoes were released on proper documentation.

We assure the Government and the general public that Freetown Terminal will always execute its mandate judiciously within the set legal framework for the prosperity of the nation.

All necessary documentation for the release of the containers and vehicles and the consignees to whom they were released are on file with us.

Management, Freetown Terminal Limited

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