Sierra Leone News: NPSL Boosts National Fire Force

By Alusine Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NPSL) Ltd. has on Thursday September 26, 2019, handed over four water storage tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres each to the Kissy division of National Fire Force to enhance prompt response to emergencies.

The company also constructed a borehole on the premises of the Fire Force using the latest technology to ensure constant availability of water at all times, provided an electronic pumping machine and a brand new 9KVA generator for the supply of power to the water facility.

This is not the first time the company is supporting the National Fire Force.

On November 15, 2017, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NPSL) Ltd. handed over four water storage tanks with a capacity of 10,000 litres each, a borehole, an electronic pumping machine and a brand new 9KVA generator to the headquarters of National Fire Force.

Chief Fire Officer of the National Fire Force, Nazir Ahmad Alie Kamanda Bongay commended NPSL for supporting the National Fire Force. He said the project will enhance their operation as they are faced with many challenges which hamper their operations. He said that Freetown used to have over 300 hydrants where fire fingers extract water from to respond to emergencies, but it is now left with less than 10 hydrants. He said that the only hydrant which is closer to the First Force station at Kissy is located at Eastern Police. He said that getting to Eastern Police during emergencies in challenging taking into consideration the human and vehicular traffic. He said this situation make Freetown a deathtrap zone because it will become more than a herculean task put off fire in western area. He said that water is very scarce in the kissy community, and that the donation has enhanced the capacity of National Fire Force to embark on firefighting, search and rescue missions.

The Chief Fire Officer said that NPSL is the only private company that has supported the National Fire Force. On behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he applauded the Board, management and staff of NPSL for supporting National Fire Force and contributing to national development.

The General Manager of NPSL, Kobi Walker said that in November 2017, the NPSL promised to construct another water storage facility for the Kissy branch.

“Today we are here again to fulfil and honor that avowed commitment by our Chairman,” he said.

“As you are all aware, the role of the National Fire Force In saving lives and properties cannot be over emphasized. It is also a known fact that the National Fire Force is challenged with accessing dependable source of water especially in eastern part of the Municipality to support their firefighting mandates and activities. We are aware that our gallant firefighters are however bedeviled by a plethora of challenges in the executing their core function as the first responders to emergencies,” the general manager said.

He said that with a target population of approximately three million lives residing In greater Freetown, we need a force that is combat ready with the necessary wherewithal for prompt and effective disaster response management.

He said that though the harsh economic realities and fundamentals are negatively impinging on NPSL’s profitability and sustained growth agenda, they are compelled and duty bound to provide the facility for the fire force.

Walker said, “As a damn good corporate citizen and being mindful of our pole position in our market place, we consider the National Fire Force as worthy partners as our roles are intricately interwoven since we deal in products that are highly combustible.”

“To further strengthen this enviable relationship, NPSL (Ltd) is therefore compelled to empower the force by availing the National Fire Force the much needed logistical support to help improve their invaluable service to our society, a rather compelling reason for us to provide this facility.”

The general manager said the replication of this gesture at the forces’ Kissy branch is a manifestation of NP SL’s determination to fully support the firefighting efforts of the force, as part of NP SL’s corporate social responsibility despite the challenging economic environment.

“These modest gesture we are sure will add incredible value to the execution of the Force’s sacred duty of combating fire outbreaks in the eastern area in particular and the municipality In General.”

“I want to reassure all that NP SL (Ltd) will continue to play a dominant role in the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone and the wellbeing of all Sierra Leoneans,” he assured.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of NPSL, Mr Mike Carroll admonished management of National Fire Force to maintain the facility at all times. He assured that NPSL is going to take its good path once the government continues to create the enabling environment for the business to thrive.