By: Audrey Raymonda John
In a resounding display of appreciation and in recognition of his invaluable services to the institution, the management of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) has bided farewell to Joe Gbouma Alieu who until his departure was Director of Procurement Services.
The farewell which was well attended by the SALWACO top management was held at the Boardroom of the company at Tower Hill, off Model old road in Freetown.
Introducing the chairperson, Marketing Manager of SALWACO, Mohamed Aziz Waggay called the session to order and introduced the chairperson of the event, Joe Ansu Foray who also doubles as the Human Resources Manager of the company. Mr. Foray expressed appreciation to Director Joe and commended management for staging what he described as a befitting farewell.
Speaker after speaker thanked and appreciated Director Joe for diligently serving SALWACO and wished him well in his new endeavors.
A statement from the Communications Unit which was made on behalf on the Stakeholders’ and Media Relations Manager remarked how Director Joe had been a wonderful boss and how he has aided to rightly position SALWACO in so far as procurement issues are concerned.
Director of Planning, Research and Policy, Saffa SK Bockarie informed all present how Director Joe has been very resourceful. He added that his coming was a blessing to SALWACO and that he was able to play his role very well over the years.
Director of Finance, Frank Lahai Kamara said that Director Joe had the competencies that were required of a Procurement Professional and furthered that the company was able to benefit a lot from him.
Director of Administration, Dennis Macavorey said that Director Joe was an industrious staff of the company and touched on how he has goodwill for people he worked and interacted with.
Director of Operations, Ing. Abdul Ben Lebbie said that Director Joe was an easy going, but firm personality who was able to get things done and in time.
Director of Project Management, Ing. Yankuba Tarawally said that Director Joe was like a friend and brother who he shared numerous commonalities with. He added that he was looking forward to maintaining the cordial relationship that existed between them even though he was not entirely pleased about the departure.
Deputy Managing Director of SALWACO, Albert Harrison Harvey said that Director Joe was a professional who was able to deliver and execute tasks and responsibilities. He said that the composure and dedication of the erstwhile Director was also commendable.
Managing Director of SALWACO, Ing. George Lamin Vandi thanked and appreciated Director Joe and assured him that SALWACO will always be ready to welcome him back. He described the departure as a means to equip oneself, but assured that SALWACO is always in readiness to consult and even welcome Director Joe anytime. The SALWACO MD used the opportunity to call on other staff of the company to emulate the good example of Director Joe and to diligently serve the institution. He said that with that, the company and its staff members will see the need to thank and bid farewell to all former staff in a manner that’d be appreciated by all and sundry.
In his statement, erstwhile Director of Procurement Services Joe Gbouma Alieu was lost of words as he hugely appreciated staff and management for the consideration of staging a farewell on his behalf. He said that he was however available to render his services and expertise to SALWACO on pro-bono, whiles assuring management and staff of his highest appreciations.
The cutting of the farewell cake and the presentation of gifts by the SALWACO MD and DMD, plus taking of pictures and a vote of thanks by Esther, a Procurement staff at SALWACO rapped up the session.