The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has announced that the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Cline Town is no longer classified as a congested port, following reported improvements in the movement and handling of containers.
SLPHA Director General Yankuba Askia Bio made the disclosure during a media engagement at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, where journalists were briefed on current port operations, recent improvements and the roles of various stakeholders involved in the movement of cargo.
“Sierra Leone Port has been unlisted from ports that are congested. The port is now decongested. Please spread the news to people, so that they can come and transport their containers,” Bio told journalists.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders involved in port operations, who explained their respective responsibilities and contributions to the movement of cargo through the facility.
Presentations during the engagement also provided clarification on the role of the SLPHA within the port environment. The Authority explained that it primarily performs a landlord and regulatory function, while a significant portion of day-to-day port operations is undertaken by private companies operating within the port.
Stakeholders outlined their respective roles in areas including cargo handling, terminal operations, logistics and other services connected to the movement of containers.
Bio also provided an update on the current state of port operations and addressed some of the concerns and rumours surrounding activities at the facility. He sought to clarify misconceptions about the responsibilities of the various institutions and private companies involved in port operations.
The media engagement formed part of the SLPHA’s efforts to improve public understanding of port operations and provide information on developments at the country’s principal seaport.
Following the reported improvement in container movement, the Authority is encouraging importers and other relevant stakeholders to proceed with the collection and transportation of their containers.
