By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

On Monday 14th October, 2024 the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration(SLMA) launched its four days’ workshop on cleaning up the spills on beaches shorelines.

The training on waste management was held at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen in Freetown.

In her submissions, the Board Chairperson of SLMA, Constance Sama, said the institution is obligated under international conventions to meet global best practices on waste management, as it strikes to put an end to oil pollution on waters and other related spill over.

“Our task includes the development of the national oil spill contingency plan and to work on other key instruments on waste control.

“We are therefore elated as policy advisers of SLMA to participate in the opening ceremony of the shoreline clean-up training and waste management which is aiming to identify specific issues for greater delivery in response to early warning signs on our terrestrial environment,” she said.

Emmanuel B.A. Lansana, Deputy Executive Director said the seas and coastline of Sierra Leone are not just geographical features, they are vital national assets that support fisheries, bolster tourism industry, and facilitate maritime trade.

Adding that those resources are lifeblood of many coastal communities and are purely contributing to the growth of the national economy.

“We must acknowledge that these invaluable assets are vulnerable to the ever-present threats of oil spills on our waters, and they could have a devastating environmental impact and economic and social consequences,” he told press men.

He further said Sierra Leone is a party to a number of IMO legal instruments aim at stopping oil pollution in world’s rivers and seas

Nothing that the international convention on limiting oil pollution started way back in 1990. And OPRC has been playing a key role in pushing the agenda. A focus has been on mobilizing international fund for compensation for oil pollution damages on countries.

Mr. Lansana said the four days capacity building is more important to SLMA and other line ministries in the country. “We believe our foreign guests will learn a lot about our country’s shorelines,” he said.

Rim Al Amir, GIWACAF, Project Coordinator, said the knowledge exchange is a key pathway to identify issues that are affecting SLMA and other MDAs which will be of benefit.

She confirmed to this medium that the GIWACAF employment stands tall in support to give out professional experience and ensure a radical inclusion. “The knowledge exchange is for all, our objective is for everyone to learn new things and be able to identify challenges.”

In her response, Hawanatu Jah said the knowledge exchange on the clean-up oil spills on the shorelines is welcomed news for Sierra Leone.

Citing that the GIWACAF and partners must acknowledge those invaluable early warning signs that are threats to the coastal communities.

And should also focus on the solutions and methodology to prevent the threats.