UNDP $200,000 goes in vain As… Maritime Search & Rescue Boats Turn Furniture
By Vos Writer
The Sierra Leone Maritime Search and rescue vessel which was purchased by the Sierra Leone Maritime administration under the support of United Nations Development Programme has now turned furniture. The vessel were supposed to be deployed in coastal areas in Sierra Leone to respond to maritime emergency situation by patrolling the sea, but since its purchased, the boats have remained idle, and stored at the SLMA Headquarters.
The lack of deployment of the boats have raised serious concern about the challenge of the institution to promptly respond to emergency situation at sea.
Sometimes ago, a devastating sea accident struck the coastal communities of sulima, Begbeghun and mania in the Pujehun and Bonthe District, resulting in the death of one fishermen and others missing. scores of fishermen dead. The tragic incident occurred as a result of fishing expedition which was caused by heavy storms. Local residents launched a search and rescue operation and they succeeded in rescuing one fisherman, but unable to rescue many who were reportedly dead.
The presence of the rescue vessels could have helped to save the situation and prevented the mass loss of lives at Sea.
During the unveiling of the Maritime search and rescue vessel, the UNDP Senior Economist, Dr. Ligane, stated that the boats will be utilized for search and rescue missions to enhance the capacity of the maritime industry. Despite the procurement, the boats have not been distributed for its intended purpose. The auditor general report has identified this issue and called on SLMA to take prompt action, but since then, no action has been taken, as the boats are still stored at SLMA Headquarters. The lack of distribution of such boats at various wharfs poses a serious concern for emergency response in maritime incidents. More on this in subsequent edition.
