November 1, 2021
By Hafsatu Z Bangura
The National Commission for Privatization on the 29th October 2021 continued its nationwide tour of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) with a visit to Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA).
While addressing the Sierra Leone Airport Authority Management (SLAA), the Chairman and Commissioner, Dr. Prince Alex Harding re-echoed the mandate of the Commission, which is to ensure that State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) under the First Schedule of the NCP Act of 2002 become efficient in their service delivery and financially contribute to the development of government projects.
He went on to assure the SLAA of the Commission’s full support.
“As a Commission, we will be always around to ensure our SOEs become productive and efficient,” he disclosed.
On the political front, the NCP Chairman and Commissioner, Dr. Prince Alex Harding who also doubles as the SLPP National Chairman said that his appointment at the NCP was influenced by two major factors.
One of those factors according to him is his requisite knowledge in Privatization dated back to 2002 when he was serving as the Minister of information and Communications.
According to Dr. Prince Alex Harding, the NCP’s core mandate is to make sure that all State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are functional well devoid of any political influence. As it is the only means that can enable the SOEs to provide the State with its much-needed revenue and also not to renegade on the provision of jobs.
Another key mandate that is visible, but very strategic among his roles in the NCP as the SLPP National Chairman. Dr. Harding belief that his role at the NCP is to formulate and implement policies that can maximize the welfare of citizens which can be translated into delivering on President Julius Maada Bio and the SLPP manifesto promises.
In her statement, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Madam Safura B Rogers, appreciated the management of SLAA for hosting the NCP family at the Freetown International Airport, stressing the need for effective collaboration and cooperation.
“I am extending an olive branch to all Heads of our SOEs to come to my office and discuss challenges hindering your operations, and I believe we can map out ways to address these concerns,” she added.
Responding on behalf of the Board Chairman of SLAA, Haja Darling Quee extended an appreciation to the Commission for the visit as the Authority considered it timely.
She called on the Commission to provide full support to SLAA and help address their concerns.
The tour was concluded with an inspection on the airport extension project by the Chairman and Commissioner, Dr. Prince Alex Harding.