By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The petroleum giant, NP, has extended its operations to the Sierra Leone-Guinea frontier with the opening of a branch Gas Station at Gbalamuya.
The formal ceremony took place on Friday 11th November.
Chairman of the Bike Riders at Gbalumuya, Alusine Bangura noted that prior to the opening of the new NP fuel station in the township; they were faced with serious constraints in accessing fuel for their bikes.
He said before the opening of the fuel station, petrol cost NLE 20 (twenty New Leones) for half quarter litre at night when they had no other option.
He said they sometimes miss on key passengers because of delay in accessing petrol. He expressed joy for the new fuel station that has been opened at a place he referred to as very strategic.
Bangura pointed out that NP has removed the burden of them having to travel far distances in search of petrol being sold at the normal price, noting that even if there would be any fuel scarcity in the country, they have peace of mind that they have a station nearby.
He urged NP for more fuel stations within Kambia district.
The town Chief of Gbalamuya, Alhajie Zakaria Jalloh expressed joy for such facility to be constructed in his township. He thanked the management of NP and the station proprietor for considering them in such a time that fuel is a commodity that is difficult to access in their town.
He said they have been yearning for such opportunity to come at Gbalamuya, noting that it is a blessing in disguise for them. He personally promised to serve as a watch dog of the station to ensure that nothing of sabotage or act of malice comes its way.
The General Manager of NP, Saidu Mansaray stated that taking a fuel station to Gbalamuya came about when a reseller took the venture to construct the station by himself through the support of NP. He referred to resellers as strategic partners whom they aid throughout the process starting from technical advice onto providing them with tanks and pumps.
He said the new station means growth, increased sales and availability to the local area where the station is constructed. He said, since the station is very close to the border entering point, it has direct monitoring to avoid the smuggling of fuel to neighboring Guinea.
He also said that, they have an internal monitoring mechanism like the regular checking of their sales volume, noting that when they notice that the volume is exceeding its normal size, they automatically launch an investigation and restrict the quantity of supply to the particular station.
The NP Manager reiterated that since the station is very close to a Military checkpoint, monitoring will not be a problem of them as the military will also assist.
He urged other business people in the country to emulate what this reseller has done, as he said it will help increase the workforce and revenue in the country. He also urged customers to make good use of the station, and own it.
The NP as a company strives to operate at sub-regional level by assuring the supply of petroleum products in an environmentally friendly manner.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (16/11/22)
