John Diossa, William Rente Rams and David Phaneuf
By Ralph Sesay
The Chief Executive Officer of Angels Global Initiative Sierra Leone Limited, Joseph Francis Williams, has told this medium that his organization, together with three international partner companies, under the umbrella of Alternative Technological Advance Systems, will be providing energy for the rural area of Sierra Leone, which will be usedaswaste materials at different dumpsites in the country. This, according to him, is to achieve a healthier and cleaner city.
He noted that this initiative has got the support of both the central and local government.The CEO told this medium that they are assured of the support of government to provide the much needed political support and provision of over five hectares of land for the project.
Mr. Francis continued that his organization and their partners have identified the rural area because it is deprived and also has land to be able to accommodate such a project.
He could not say what they will generate in terms of electricity power built, but assured this medium that the generation of power will largely depend on the level of waste they are able to secure.
The project, he concluded, will cost around $ 300 million just for equipment and vehicles to transport the waste. His organization, he stated, will have to take over the provision of the power, hence the other partners will provide the much needed technical support to ensure the project is brought to fruition.
John Diossa, a member of one of the partner companies, noted that he is bringing the concept of transforming and managing waste into energy instead of the usual practice of placing it in dumpsites. The main idea is to take care of the environment, noting that the Government of Sierra Leone badly needs such innovations at this critical time.
The Government of Sierra Leone, including politicians and its people, has welcomed the idea and has further emphasized to them that waste management has been a serious challenge confronting the country.
John noted that they have worked on similar projects of this nature around the world, noting they have vast experience in this area. He concluded by expressing optimism that the project will definitely better the lives of the rural communities.
David Phaneuf, Director of Research and Development, I.A. Backman and Datt Associates, told nightwatch that he is very optimistic about the success of the project based on the several meetings held so far with Sierra Leonean politicians and their people.
He noted that they have been able to fully discover and understand the environmental damages of waste facing Sierra Leone, and that they have also been able to meet different people and have proffered solutions and ideas available that will lead to the attainment of social and health benefits of waste management for the country.
Willian Rente Rams, CEO and President of Alternative Technologically Advance Systems, noted that he has been in the country four times, including the Ebola period, noting that the project will definitely transform lives, create the much needed jobs and also boost the economy of Sierra Leone.
It will be recalled that the Western Area Rural District is largely deprived of the much needed social services even when it harbours most of the country’s touristic sites and fishing communities. This has greatly impacted on the tourism and fishing sector and the intervention of these companies has been lauded by many, especially so at a time when the Government of President Bio is paying keen attention at revamping the country’s tourism sector and energy remains key in all of this drive.