By Hassanatu I. Conteh
Susan Bay’s National Harbor Master, Mr Sanpha Kargbo of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, in an interview conducted on Monday 30th March, 2020, stated that since the proclamation of a State of Health Emergency and closure of borders they have instituted measures to prevent the Coronavirus from entering the country.
He continued that boats arriving from Guinea and other neighboring countries are mandated to land at the Susan’s Bay Wharf.
Sanpha Kargbo noted that all the smaller wharfs across the country have also been shut down all in an effort to prevent the virus.
The Harbor Master confirmed to this medium that it has taken 14 days without any boat landing at the Susan’s Bay Wharf, which, he noted, also indicates closedown of businesses. He disclosed that Susan’s Bay is the second biggest harbor in Sierra Leone, hence the reason why business people have resorted using other routes to purchase their goods.
The National Harbor Master further stated that they have improvised buckets, soap and thermometer in every wharf for checking the temperature of people coming aboard, but noted that they lack medical facilities and personnel to assist them in their preventive measures.
“We don’t have a facility for isolating incoming passengers regardless of the fact that security is watertight as we are working with the marine and naval police,” he said. He also stated that the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has instructed them to allow boats with food items but no passengers allowed.
Mr. Sanpha Kargbo called on the government to give Maritime officers the opportunity to dispatch them to neighboring countries to transport foodstuffs and other essential commodities to the country.
He said those maritime officers, after their return, will be isolated for a period of time.