General-Secretary of the Bollore Group in Sierra Leone Joseph Lambert, has clarified allegations relating to London Mining transport contract over haulage of iron ore to their port facility.
In his reaction, he said Bollore was awarded the haulage contract by London Mining in January 2011, in its entirety, to transport iron ore mined in Marampa by London Mining Company.
He said based on their experience in managing and operating transport system, and between June and November 2011, they set up a haulage shop to meet the start of haulage in December 2011.
The Secretary-General went further to say that all infrastructural work was accomplished using locals.
The company, he said, has procured more trucks and has also spent thousands of dollars to train and certify drivers working on the contract additionally stating that 85% were from Lunsar or the immediate environs, as all this was done to meet international standards.
He said the contract was also reviewed recently and new terms and conditions were agreed by both the company and the contract drivers which states that transportation for one metric tonne of iron ore has been reduced from US$6.50 cents to US$4.4cents.
He added that from January 2013 the company has hired a maximum of 175 trucks with only about 70 engaged in haulage with 150 drivers.
The company has also employed 168 permanent staff.
He said Bollore is an investor that might extend their investment portfolio to any sector in the country.
He also clarified that at no time did Bollore or London Mining Company give any sub-contractor, the indication or encouragement to invest and clarified that those who asked for letters of recommendation to the Banks were discouraged and refused.
He assured that Bollore has no qualms in renewing some present contracts or hiring local transporters especially those within the Lunsar region as and when the need arises.
By Nancy Koroma & Saidu Bah
July 30, 2013
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