The Government of Sierra Leone through the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Navy wing on Tuesday 27th October, 2020 presented a brand new sea-patrol boat to the Management of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) to be deployed at the Freetown Port, Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
The boat was among the four Sea-Patrol boats recently commissioned by Sierra Leone President, His Excellency, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio as part of his government rebranding process to beef up the country’s Port and Maritime security and safety sector.
During the presentation of the deployment of the Sea-Patrol boat to SLPA management, RSLAF Navy Wing the team lead, Capt. Philip Juana said the boat will be deployed with some military personnel to beef up security at the river line areas of the Freetown port.
He furthered that the deployment is timely and will make the issue of sea robbery become a thing of the past as RSLAF navy deployment team will continuously patrol around the Freetown Port estuary.
Receiving the team, SLPA General Manager, Dr. Abdulai Fofana commended the government of Sierra Leone and RSLAF for complementing the Authority’s drive to strengthen Port & Maritime safety and security at the Freetown Port. He said the Ports have witnessed phenomenal reforms in the area of security and safety since he assumed office.
“My administration has prioritized security as one of its pillars in the Ports rebranding processes. We have made remarkable gains in the Maritime and Port security sector which have attracted international recognitions.”
Dr. Fofana assured that the boat will be used for its intended purpose and properly taken care of in terms of maintenance.
SLPA Security and Intelligence Manager, Eustace D.O. Rogers, in a similar sentiment, stated that the deployment of the sea-patrol boat is an anticipated relief to the Port security sector as it will help protect the sea on vessels arrival and departure prevent the issues of stowaway and over-boarding and restore security assurance for foreign investment.
For more inquiries, contact:
SLPA Media and Public Relations Unit
Phone: 0023277506059/00232762638