“The donated tanks will capacitate four fire engines. Initially, the fire engines in Bo, Kono, Kenema, Kambia, Makeni and everywhere were stuck up as a result of fuel constraints but with the timely intervention of NP, especially the current General Manager-Kobi Walker who has tremendously salvage the appalling situation of the Fire Force…that is why if I were a biologist I would have graciously says that NP is like the mitochondria of the National Fire Force” Kamanda Bongay added.
Bongay further stated that the project is really essential to his institution as well as the country, owing to the fact that his institution has been confronted with several challenges in their line of duty and that situation has cost the lives and properties of Sierra Leoneans. He disclosed that the National Fire Force has been operating in the entire Western Area with less than five fire hydrants scattered across the country and they are not always functional.
Bongay applauded and acknowledged the awesome work done by NP, as he explained that his institution has been confronted with numerous challenges ranging from limited hydrants to fire engines, he said the donated tanks has boost his institution with 40,000 liters of water, which will stack four giant fire engines. Kamanda Bongay made a general plea to NP, goodwill Sierra Leoneans and organizations to consider and empower the remaining fire stations in Freetown (Kissy, Aberdeen and Training School). Bongay landed by saying that his institution is unequipped to meet the demand of their services, as Freetown has already registered more than 400 fire incidents this year. However, that did notwithstanding he said that fire force happened to be the first responder of the August 14th flood flash and landslide, but because they were limited to handle the situation, Bongay said they involved the military and the police forces.
The General Manger of the Sierra Leone National Petroleum (NP), Kobi Walker stated that the role of the National Fire Force in saving lives and properties cannot be over emphasized. Walker said that as a responsible institution they aware of the fact that the National Fire Force is challenged with accessing dependable source of water, especially in the country’s capital of Freetown to support their fire fighting mandates and activities.
“Yes, we aware that our gallant fire fighters are however bedeviled by a plethora of challenges in the execution of their core functions as the first responders to emergencies. Water we know is life and indeed water we also know is an essential tool used in combating the conflagration of fire that has the potential to destroy life and property” Kobi Walkker as quoted.
Kobi Walker further explained that as a responsible corporate institution that deal in product that are highly combustible, he said they often source outstanding officers in the National Fire Force for thorough training and development in safety , firefighting skills, and requirement. Kobi walker added that the partnership between his institution and the fire force is truly enduring, rewarding and mutually beneficial to all parties, to further strengthen their relationship he said, NP SL (Ltd) has been compelled by the necessity to avail the NFF much logistical support to help improve their invaluable service to the society.
“To this end, We are elated to inform all gathered here today that NP SL Ltd is providing to the NFF, 4 water storage tanks with a capacity of 10, liters each, a bore hole using the latest technology to ensure the constant availability of water at all times, we also providing an electronic pumping machine and a brand new 9KVA generator for the supply of power to the water facility” Kobi Walker landed.
The handing over of the donated items was done by the Board Chairman of NP, Mike Carroll as he reiterated that NP SL Ltd will continue to play significant role in the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone and the well being of Sierra Leoneans.
Giving a brief overview of the NFF, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer- Sylvester Momoh Taluva narrated that as a result of the relentless services of the current Chief Fire Officer and his awesome dedicated team of hardworking officers they have been able to transform the single fire station in Freetown ‘the Freetown Fire Brigade’ to a vibrant National Fire Force across the country.
