By Paul Lamin in Kenema
The Public Relation Officer for EDSA, Sulaiman Koroma, has appealed to the people of Kenema and Bo to exercise patience for the poor electricity system in the two districts.
Sulaiman Koroma said due to the low level of water at the dam and the shutdown of the thermal machines by EGTC, they were not able to supply light to both Kenema and Bo.
He stated that for the dam to provide effective electricity there should be heavy downpour of rain in Kono district, confirming that there is going to be annual maintenance of the dam and plans are underway to provide a thermal machine for Kenema city on permanent basis.
In another incident, Newfield Resources Limited, which is an Australian company listed on Australian Stock Exchange, has dished out Le878,000,000 as surface rent to landowning families of Lower Bambara chiefdom in Kenema district, the Paramount Chief, Alimamy Farma, the Chiefdom Administration and the Kenema District Council and then signed the rent agreement between the people of Lower Bambara Chiefdom and Sierra Diamond and Tongoma Mining Company.
Receiving his own cheque, the Paramount Chief of Lower Bambara chiefdom said the chiefdom has seven sections, but the company is currently operating in four of the sections that have the sole right to the money. He warned all chiefs and other authorities in the chiefdom to take them out of the surface rent money if they are not part of the bush owning family, adding that if the bush owners think of giving any sum to any of the chiefs or authorities is a welcome idea, but they are not to use their positions to be part of the money. He called on beneficiaries to ensure that all that belongs to the bush benefit.
In his statement, the Executive Director, Newfield Resources, Mike Lynn, assured of the entire company’s adherence to its corporate social responsibility. He said the company will provide job opportunities and giving preference to indigenes of Lower Bambara chiefdom when they meet the requirement and the company will continue engaging in community development in the interest of all Sierra Leoneans.
The Executive Director said the company has come to stay for good in the interest of national development.
Madam Adama Kokowai of Gbovohun village thanked Newfield Resources Limited for the surface rent payment. She said she will be using the money to support the education of her grandchildren. She appealed to other beneficiaries to judiciously use their money for everlasting benefit.