On Tuesday morning, the Executive of the Indigenous Transport Owners Association together with the Executive of the Clearing and Forwarding Association, yesterday, staged a peaceful strike calling for improved conditions at the port. The strike slowed operations until the associations could meet with port management.
Among the issues raised, the workers called for officials of Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) to put an end to the long hours of waiting for containers, which delays drivers and costs them money.
The workers of the Associations confirmed that some staff at the terminal demand bribes from clearing and forwarding agents. This results in further delays. As a result, the drivers complain that their family lives are being affected without due consideration.
Also the workers appealed for improved water and sanitation facilities including a common room to spend time while they wait for containers to be cleared.
The Operations Director, Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), Eustace Garrick, noted that port management understands the many challenges workers face. He called on workers to exercise patience while the management approaches the leadership of FTL.
He added that the lack of space at the port is responsible for some of the long delays container workers have to face. But he assured workers that plans are underway to expand the port to further reduce the present congestion.
Garrick assured that during the port expansion project, water and sanitation facilities will be part of the new port project.
At the end of the short meet, the SLPA Operations Director was able to convince the peaceful protesters to go back to work.
By Ade Campbell
Wednesday January 25, 2017