Petroleum products remain very critical element and contribute to every aspect of human daily life including transportation, distribution, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and hospitality among other areas.
MDAs, government representatives, community stakeholders and residents and staff of Total graced the event.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Edward Soloku commended the board, management and staff of Total for erecting what he described as “such a masterpiece gas station” in that part of the country.
He reiterated President Julius Maada Bio’s formal inauguration speech where he gave a clear picture on what he described as a good fight in three inclusive areas which are corruption, indiscipline and poverty. The minister further challenged all Sierra Leoneans to support the President’s initiative and ensure that Sierra Leone becomes an enviable state.
For his part, Minister of Trade and Industry, Edward Hinga Sandy applauded the Company for what he described as a masterpiece show of work. This according to him is a clear display that Total as a company has full trust and confidence in the country’s leadership, which is why it resolved to invest such huge capital.
Minister Sandy went on to say he is proud that despite current economic challenges in the country, Total continues to do things that some of its competitors are not doing.
Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) Chief Executive Officer, Baluwa Koroma reminded all of the PRA’s desire of improving products availability, affordability and deliverability. He said the vision of the agency requires the industry leaders to work together to manage those risks in addressing long term policy questions on health, safety and the environment.
Furthermore, the CEO reiterated that all gas stations under construction across the country should continue to report to the agency for distance requirement and other suitability assessment, adding that all new entrants have to gain a license from PRA.
He said Total Sierra Leone renders support in areas of entrepreneurship and education among other things, stating that it will continue to provide quality service and products through expanding its network of service stations worldwide.
On behalf of the community people, Paramount Chief of Yoni Mabanta, Mile 91, Fullamanssa Gbabereh II assured Total of a peaceful atmosphere at his chiefdom. He called on his people to put hands on deck in ensuring peace, love, support and productivity for both parties’ goals to be achieved.
Managing Director of Total Sierra Leone Limited, Elizabeth Sotuminu on behalf her management and staff thanked all for gracing the event.
She explained a remarkable story of one Foday Thoronka who was employed by the company as an undergraduate to work at the Total Aberdeen Filling Station as a Customer Attendant in 2009 and subsequently got promoted to the post of the Young Dealer of the same Station in 2011 through his hard work and commitment.
Deputy Executive Vice President, West Africa, Anne Dooh-Riso expressed joy for being part of such a beautiful country. She shed light on the five values of Total, performance minded, pioneer spirit, stand together, respect for each other and safety which she said are key aspects for the success of their operations.
The oil marketing companies remain accountable to petroleum consumers which include providing fair margins to dealers and end users of their products and services.
Concluding the ceremony protocols was the cutting of the ribbing which was done by members of the high table.