By Mohamed TARAWALLIE
Over a year ago Mercury International signed an MOU with the Government of Sierra Leone for the construction of 90 classrooms or schools equivalent to 90 classrooms. Responding to its social and corporate responsibility, Mercury International has on Wednesday 11th March 2020 signed the construction contract with Ideas Limited for the construction of the Mercury funded Government All Girls Secondary School Port Loko; the signing ceremony took place at a well attended press conference witnessed by the fourth estate on 44 Bathurst Street in Freetown.
The MD of Mercury International, Mr Martin E. Michael in his remarks, disclosed that after signing the MOU with the Government, the project was stalled due to circumstances beyond their control, adding that the project was revitalized upon the appointment of Dr Moinina David Sengeh, the current Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE).
Before signing the contract documents in front of the press, Mr Martin Michael expressed delight over the enthusiasm and ambition displayed by the Minister of MBSSE, Dr Sengeh in seeing these classrooms and schools constructed and concluded, coupled with the desire of Mercury International to ensure that its promise becomes a reality.
He highlighted the support and cool demeanor of the Hon. Minister during drafting and redrafting of the plans for the school and that of his modern environmental friendly ideas that have been incorporated in the design.
The MD added that working together sometimes through the weekend, supported by the dedication of our architect and consultant – Ideas Limited was not an easy ride and in the midst of all this, Mercury International has finally signed the first contract for the construction of the first all girls school in Port Loko, Northern Sierra Leone.
He mentioned that Port Loko was chosen as the first recipient of Mercury International pledge and to fulfill the promise His Excellency the President made to the people of Port Loko when he promised the people of Port Loko the construction of such a school.
Mr Martin Michael emphatically stated that the selection of locations where the classrooms or schools are going to be built has nothing to do with political influence and that they will ensure all of the regions in the country benefited from the said project.
The MD lamented that the Ideas Limited was one of the best consultant firms to have worked with due to its past records; revealing that the first school or set of classrooms will be handed over to the government by September 2020 as this consultant firm has all what it takes to finish the project by that time.
At the end of his statement, Mr Martin Michael extolled and thanked the shareholders of Mercury International Samir Hassanyeh, Max Brandwain and Hassan Saad for their total support to this entire project, adding that they have been at his neck almost every day asking about the commencement of the first school.
The MD further showed gratitude to the staff of Mercury and in particular Dawn Cummings-John and Alhaji Komba for all their hard work and dedication and the Ideas Limited for putting up with Mercury’s constantly changing ideas and suggestions.