The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has announced that the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Cline Town is no longer classified among congested ports, following improvements in the movement and handling of containers.

Director General of the SLPHA, Yankuba Askia Bio, made the disclosure during a media engagement held at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Cline Town, where journalists were briefed on the current operations of the port, recent improvements, and the roles of various stakeholders operating within the port environment.

“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,” Director General 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.

Discussions during the meeting also provided greater clarity on the role of the SLPHA in the overall operation of the port. From presentations by the various stakeholders, it was explained that the Authority primarily performs a landlord and regulatory role, while a significant portion of the day-to-day port operations is carried out by private companies operating within the port.

The stakeholders further explained their respective functions in areas including cargo handling, terminal operations, logistics and other services associated with the movement of containers.

Director General Bio also provided journalists with a detailed update on the current state of the ports, addressed some of the rumours surrounding port operations and sought to clarify misconceptions about the responsibilities of the different institutions and companies operating within the port environment.

The media engagement formed part of the SLPHA’s efforts to improve public understanding of port operations and provide accurate information on developments at the country’s principal seaport.

The Authority is encouraging importers and other relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the improved situation and proceed with the collection and transportation of their containers.