The Vice President, Alhaji Chief Samuel Sam Sumana, yesterday conducted an inspection visit to the Fiber Optic Cable Landing Station (also called the ACE STATION) at Lumley Beach, Freetown.
The purpose of the visit is to assess the strength, weakness, opportunity and threat of the building project. He expressed satisfaction over the construction work currently undertaken at the site.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister of Information and Communications, Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo and other stakeholders.
Country Manager of Likusasa, a South African Construction Company which was contracted for the building of the landing site, Wickus Breytenbach, said the station is strong and guarantee. “We are building it with quality and standards”, he re-affirmed.
He said the end product of the work will undergo a final approval and acceptance test by relevant stakeholders such as the Sierra Leone Government and World Bank.
The Country Manager added that the only weakness or challenge they face is the rains which slow down their operations. He further emphasized that the company has the technical capacity in terms of machines, materials and manpower. He added that they have sub-contracted NIMO Construction and Trading Enterprises Limited (SL) to facilitate the work.
The Construction Site Manager, Nick Hagen said that they will design and build the Fiber landing station with maximum protection of the cable. He assured that the cable will have no negative impact on people and the environment.
He also stated that the cable will run through the Atlantic Ocean from other West African countries. This, he noted, will ensure fast, accessible, reliable and affordable Information and Communications Technology facility in the country to boost the economy.
He re-assured that the general construction will be done according to specifications and requirements from related agencies such as Maritime Administration and other international bodies.
Nick Hagen pointed out that the construction work of the site will be completed in September this year, while revealing that the Fiber Optic Cable will arrive soon.
By Solomon Rogers