07/12/2011 (Awareness Times) - In order to promote and complement government efforts in Sierra Leone, one of the leading agricultural investment companies Siva Group/Biopalm Star Oil last Sunday officially unveiled series of development projects in Massam Kpaka in the Kpaka Chiefdom Pujehun District.

The projects are in line with the Sierra Leone 50th Independent Anniversary.

During the country’s Independence Anniversary Celebration, Siva Group/Biopalm donated the sum of one hundred thousand United States dollars to Independent Anniversary Committee. Siva/ Bio Palm as part of its corporate social responsibility specified to the Independent Committee to give thirty thousand dollars to the three host chiefdoms including Massam Kpaka were they intend to plant palm fruits for big investment.

The Director of Biopalm cutting the tape on the newly renovated court barray 

In a joyous ceremony that was held in Massam Kpaka, the Paramount Chief P.C. Alhaji John Salia Rogers said he has implemented the projects that were meant for his chiefdom. He described the project as the first development of its kind since he gained power. The PC said the Siva Group/Biopalm donation was utilised to rehabilitate the Chiefdom Court Barray, well furnished with furniture and other office materials, three water well pumps, scholarships for first BECE and NPSE pupils and the rehabilitation of roads in the Kpaka Chiefdom.  According to him, the project is very memorable and historical to all residents. He maintained that the development is as a result of government efforts and SLIEPA who made it possible for this chiefdom to be picked by Siva Group/Biopalm for the big investment.

Earlier in his statement, the District Officer who acted as chairman for the ceremony described Kpaka Chiefdom as very hospitable. He assured the investors of having very good working relationships. He maintained that the government is ready to provide conducive environment for all investors who are in the country to complement government efforts in the area of developmental investments that will enhance growth.

The newly renovated court barray 

Hon. Alicious Massaquoi commended the company for brining development of such nature. He stated that the money has been utilized for its useful purposes but he cautioned for transparency among elders in those chiefdoms.

The Director of Biopalm, Mangu Suresh, said their company has a wide range of development for their host chiefdoms but the people should work in concerts with them as development is a gradual process. He expressed happiness over the manners and ways in which the projects were implemented.

One of the newly renovated wells at Massam Town 

Mr. Suresh said they have already done a survey and demarcation on the area where the planting is going to take place. He disclosed that an environmental impact assessment survey has been done and they will soon present the document to the people and government. He said they intend to choose three indigenes from each of the three chiefdoms to be trained in nursing and planting palm kernel. He disclosed that the training is going to be for a year’s training free of charge. However, he appealed to the people to be patient as very soon they will provide more jobs and development for their host communities and the country as a whole.

The ceremony was climaxed by the cutting of tapes by the Director of Siva Group/Biopalm accompanied by the representatives of the Sierra Leone Import and Export Promoting Agency SLIEPA, Chiefs, Councilors’ and other well-wishers.

Guests at the newly renovated court barray 

It could be noted that SLIEPA is the brain behind this investment process to enhance growth and economic development in Sierra Leone.

The Paramount Chief explaning the project to the people.