As part of its corporate social responsibility to the people of Sierra Leone, the leading diamond mining company in the country, Koidu Holdings has undertaken the funding of a modern mortuary for the 34 Military hospital at Wilberforce.
A cheque worth Le54 Million was presented last Friday to the Minister of Defence Rtd. Major Palo Conteh by the Admin. Public Relation Officer of Koidu Holdings, Ibrahim Sorie Kamara in a momentous ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the company, Ibrahim Sorie Kamara registered his CEO’s deepest regret for not being at the presentation ceremony due to ill health. He said that the presentation of Le 54 Million worth cheque is in direct response to a request made by the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces for Koidu Holdings to fund the construction of the very first mortuary at the 34 Military hospitals which costs Le108 Million.
“If there is any thing we can do to enhance the RSLAF in the performance of their duties and functions to ensure that this country remains to be peaceful, I think we can do that in haste” The Admin /PR Officer stated.
Ibrahim Sorie Kamara went on to say: “We are very much aware that there is currently a wild wind of positive change in the Military, there is transformation development drive going on, and we see this as an opportunity to be part of it and contribute meaningfully towards this worthy course” He added. The Admin/PR Officer further said that the construction of the mortuary is a step towards the right direction and it will serve to enhance the dignity of the men and women of the RSLAF.
“We want to be part of history in the making; we know it is a monumental project, one that is going to be there forever. So if we are going to be credited with being part of this project we thought it was fitting to grab the opportunity with both hands” he said.
Explaining how the funds will be disbursed for the construction of the mortuary Ibrahim Sorie Kamara said the company has decided to give the money in three installments. 50% of the budgeted sum which is Le54million has already been handed over to the Minister of Defence in the form of a cheque. Then with a satisfactory implementation of the construction work 25% will be given and if an impressive progress is made on the work the final 25% will then be issued out for the completion of the project.
The Admin/PR Officer stated that the reason for splitting the funds is to create room for proper monitoring of the project adding that his company had funded so many projects before but most of those projects were not properly accomplished due to lack of proper monitoring mechanism.
Receiving the cheque the Minister of Defence, Rtd. Major Palo Conteh expressed his appreciation to Koidu Holdings for extending such a kind gesture to the Military.
The Minister went on to say that since he took over the Ministry of Defence about 22 months ago he has made the welfare of men and women in the RSLAF a serious concern.
He thanked the company on behalf of the president who is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and of Sierra Leone.
“I believe in legacy and when we would have completed that Mortuary a plaque will be put up and the name of your company will be there for the next 50 years that Koidu Holdings supported the RSLAF to build the structure” The Minister said.
He encouraged the company to continue with their good work in helping the people of Sierra Leone.
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