By Bampia James Bundu
The Office of National Security (ONS) and the Strategic and Policy Unit (SPU), Office of the President have completed an inspection of the operational areas of Addax Bioenergy, Sierra Leone at Mabilafu, Bombali District.
Giving an overview of the project, the outgoingHealth Security, Safely and EnvironmentManager, Derick Hugo said that the presence of government officials at the company’s operation sites was an opportunity to update them on the company’s operations in terms of where they are and where they are heading to. He said the company initiated the project in 2008 and that it is expected to be fully operational in 2013. “We will produce sustainable bio-ethanol from sugarcane for export and for domestic use as well and ‘green electricity’ from a biomass-fuelled plant that will power the ethanol refinery and supply approximately 20 per cent of the needs of Sierra Leone national grid,” Hugo pointed out. He said sugarcane was widely recognized as the most efficient and sustainable crop for biofuel production, adding that with its suitable land, tropical climate and development ambitions, Sierra Leone offered favourable conditions for the initiative.
Hugo revealed that they have been holding meetings with stakeholders and community members, helping landowners establish their first deeds of land ownership, enhancing local food security and agricultural productivity, as well as undertaking extensive infrastructure development for the communities.
The Private Sector Adviser at the Strategic and Policy Unit, Dr. Michael Kargbo commend Addax for investing such huge money in Sierra Leone. He assured the company of government’s commitment in ensuring the continuity of private sector development, adding that government has done a lot to attract local and international companies including Addax Bioenergy.
A director at the Office of National Security, Samuel Kamara said that the visit was an eye-opener for him because he had learnt a lot about the operations of the company and activities in the communities in which it operates.
