Transco CLSG, an electricity network interconnection project, has engaged stakeholders in the government Ministries, Department and Agencies on tax waivers, clearing and forwarding, immigration and cross border security.
The CLSG project involves the construction of a 1,357-km-long double circuit high voltage of 225 kv line to connect the national networks of Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. The project, which is estimated at UA 331.51 million is to be implemented over a six year period from 2014-2019.
As contractors will be importing plants and machinery to enhance their operation and in accordance with a treaty signed by Sierra Leone and the Mano River Union, the importation of these plants and machinery are tax and duty-free.
Paul Saffa, Country Manager for Transco in Sierra Leone, said the company has started recruiting contractors both within and out of the country but that with most projects if proper coordination is not done, between the implementers and other auxillary agencies, you either fail in the implementation, or you are bound to face lot of bottle necks.
As a company, they decided that since they will be ordering lots of materials in country and also the need for diplomatic status, and they have tax duty waivers, it involves a lot of clearing. We would also be doing cross border work for contractors from other countries that will be working in Pujehun and Mano in Liberia and also Guinea. “It is important to look into all of these issues”.
Saffa emphasised that there is also the need to look into the labour laws, issues of immigration policies, such as residential permits, visas on arrival if necessary, and landing permits: anything that has to do with immigration”.
As the work includes big machines and other equipment, also contractors would have to have their works yards and so they may need the police for direction as to should be done in case security situations arise.
Saffa said, “We are pre-empting the issues that may cause bottle necks in this project. We are attempting to see how we can mitigate those challenges, so that when the project comes it can go smoothly. The project comprises four countries so we have to do our part well.”
BM/25/10/17
By Betty Milton
Thursday October 26, 2017.
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