UNDP Donates Rescue Boat To Maritime Administration
UNDP Donates Rescue Boat To Maritime Administration
UNDP Donates Rescue Boat To Maritime Administration
The euphoria on Thursday 19th April, 2023 was spectacular, as the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) received Rescue Boat from the United Nations Development Program’s Global Environment Facility Project, a $200,000 project for search and rescue.
The Excecutive Director of SLMA, Paul Sobba Massaquoi, in his appreciation message said that the maritime Administration was established by an Act of Parliament in 2000, as an autonomous body for the registration of ships and other vessels, licensing and safety of maritime personnel and for the regulation and development of maritime costal and inland water transport, adding that part (3) section 10 and 11 said the administration shall have the power, in connection with its function under this act, to impose all vessels in respect of the manifested cargo discharge loaded in sierra Leone, He furthered that when he was appointed as Executive Director by the President, one of his first point of call was to visit NGOs, Embassies and UN Agencies to establish a multilateral relationship, as a way of harnessing the country’s blue economy and was impressed by the response from the UNDP, and their willingness to support the effort of the government. He continued that several engagements and proposals were brought to the UNDP, one of which include the refurbishing of their 3 search and rescue boats. This, he disclosed, was done and handed over to the administration within few months, furthering that they also approved the refurbishing of the Sierra Leone Cape Light at Aberdeen, but the project was stalled because of few misconceptions from within the ministry and other agencies, adding that even in his absence the UNDP continued thier good work, made donation of radio equipment to the Administration. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the government of Sierra Leone for this support, especially in building their capacity to perform their mandate.
Dr.Ligane Serie, UNDP senior Economist, said the boat is worth $200,000 and was financed through the GEF project under UNDP to be used for high sea rescue mission. He said the project was implemented for 5 years, in collaboration with other Agencies, and the Aim of the boat is to strengthen the capacity of coastal communities to systematically manage climate change rush and impact physical infrastructure and economic livelihood, thereby increasing climate change and inhabitation. He said that more support is to come, adding that 50 radio operators of SLMA staff in various coastal location were trained and 15 personnel were trained in disseminating early warning messages, and were provided with 15 radios to enhance the response of timely emergencies at sea. The support is to see the wellbeing of people at sea, and as the country needs to explore its sea potential to achieve its goals, UNDP will continue to support the economic frame work and they are glad that they are able to come to the aid of the Government.
Many other dignitaries thanked and appreciated the UNDP for the Humanitarian Aid and kind gesture.
