In collaboration with the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI), the Airport Transfer Project (ATP) under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation has concluded a one-day final validation workshop on the establishment of an Airport Transfer Unit for safety and comfort of international passengers’ traffic between Freetown and Lungi, and its environs.

The workshop was held at the Mamba Point Conference Room, Wilberforce in Freetown on Thursday 14th April 2011.

Participants were drawn from Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Maritime Administration, Civil Aviation Authority, Sierra Leone Airport Authority, Vessels Owners and Helicopter Owners amongst others.

 

In his statement, the Project Director of Airport Transfer Project (ATP), Mr. Hindolo Siaka, noted that the ATP came into being in 2009, adding that the workshop was geared towards stakeholders brainstorming on the operational aspect of the Airport Transfer Unit (ATU).

 

He stated that the workshop was expected to come up with brilliant recommendations that would be Mr. Siaka revealed that the ATU will serve as a monitoring and evaluation unit that will be charged with the responsibility of checking whether or not vessels and helicopters plying the route from Lungi to Freetown meet required international standards.

 

He disclosed that the unit will adequately aid the minimization of sea and air accidents.

 

Lead Consultant of Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI), Mr. Claudius J. Thomas, revealed that the ATU is an extension of the work of SLAA, SLMA, CAA and SLPA to ensure maximum safety of international passengers plying from Lungi to Freetown. He furthered that the Airport Transfer Project is presently constructing a Jetty, Helipad and Terminals in Lungi and Aberdeen to ensure the safety of passengers.