A press conference was held where this disclosure was made at the conference room of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA). In attendance were traditional heads of the aforementioned areas, youth groups, officials of the investing companies and other people including Port management among others.

Speaking at the event, a senior official of the company stated that in conformity with the Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency Act 2008, and its amendment in 2010, the NPD & TIDFORE Project needs to be planned and designed in a manner that minimizes potential negative social and environmental impacts.

The official added that this is expected to be achieved through the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Process that was undertaken by the Environmental Consulting Services in Sierra Leone on behalf of TIDFORE & Partners.

The Deputy General Manager SLPA Mr. Kargbo in his brief statement said when they would have completed the project it will create more than three thousand jobs, which according to him, will tackle part of country’s unemployment challenges.

Joseph William Jusu, SLPA’s Principal Safety Officer said the project is no doubt very big for a community as theirs but that with the support of the whole community it is feasible and therefore beneficial. He called on all and sundry to give their maximum support to the SLPA and the company that would be carrying out the expansion work for it to be successful.

He also explained how the seaside and the coastline would also have to be expanded.

“I hope the affected community will be considered,” he said and disclosed that Berth Three will be expanded and that it will affect other people in and out of the Port. He however stressed on the importance about the economic development it will bring to Sierra Leone in terms of the port being transformed into a trans-shipment hub in West Africa.