Squatters at the Kissy Fuel Terminal Depot are a recipe for catastrophe. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has taken a proactive approach to address the issue by involving stakeholders from the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), Ministry of Lands, Office of National Security (ONS), and Oil Marketing Companies.
The NDMA has been very active in mitigating and addressing national incidents, responding to over 20,000 people across the country, and embarking on a number of risk reduction activities in just over a year since its inception, as part of its mandate to manage all issues related to national disasters, as well as mitigate looming threats that could endanger lives and property.
It could be recalled that two weeks ago, a joint assessment team, which comprised stakeholders within the petroleum and security sectors and NDMA, visited the scene to ascertain firsthand, the looming threat of encroachers who have constructed makeshift structures and are permanently domiciled close to the only fuel terminal in Sierra Leone.
According to the Director-General of NDMA, Lt. Gen. (Rtd), Brima Sesay, protecting lives and property is paramount, adding that: “When this issue came up, we contacted all stakeholders, and our team has assessed the situation; indeed, there is a looming disaster, and we need to act fast as a country in preventing a possible catastrophe”.
The Director of Compliance, All Petroleum Products (APPSL) Limited, Steven Murray Junior said their facility is at risk. “Our installation is at risk, and we have noticed people digging holes through our facilities to steal construction materials and fuel,” he noted.
The Deputy Director-General of the NDMA, John V. Rogers, stated that, through the Agency’s Directorate of Communications, NDMA, will continue to dialogue with stakeholders and the possible affected parties in addressing the impending danger.
“The Office of National Security, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency, Ministry of Environment, National Fire Force, Freetown City Council, Councilors, Members of Parliament and community stakeholders will all be involved in the dialogue process”.
The Directorate of Communications, National Disaster Management Agency, will roll out sensitization messages and conduct public engagement programs to raise awareness of the risks associated with living next to fuel refineries, allowing for the spotlighting of human-induced disasters and encouraging a national approach to addressing the matter.
