SLPHA Takes Steps To Ease Delays at Queen Elizabeth II Quay
By Alhaji Turay
As delays at the country’s main port continue to affect traders and the cost of goods, the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) says it is rolling out new measures to speed up container clearance and protect importers’ goods.
In a briefing with the Head of Media and Public Relations, Mac’Ivan Kakpindi Vandy, SLPHA said the challenges at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay are complex and involve several agencies, not just one institution.
“IT’S A MULTI-AGENCY PROCESS”
Mr. Vandy explained that port operations involve customs processing, documentation, examination, and final exit — with different institutions responsible for each stage.
“Cargo clearance is a multi-agency process,” he said. “SLPHA’s role as the landlord authority is mainly at the final stage, which is the exit gate. We are working to ensure that part moves faster, but we cannot do it alone.”
He called on importers and clearing agents to avoid blame-shifting and instead focus on coordination.
ADDRESSING CONGESTION AND SPACE
On concerns about preferential treatment, especially for transit cargo to Guinea, Mr. Vandy said all cargo is handled under the same rules.
“Transit containers are moved to the Inland Container Depot at Hastings immediately after discharge from the vessel,” he explained. “This is not preferential treatment. It is to decongest the quay and create space so other cargo can be handled.”
He added that the Freetown Port was built decades ago and was not designed for today’s volumes. Vessels now discharge between 1,000 and 2,000 containers at a time, putting pressure on space and logistics.
WHAT CAUSES THE DELAYS
According to SLPHA, delays often come from both natural bottlenecks and documentation issues.
Mr. Vandy advised importers and brokers to start the pre-clearance process before cargo arrives in Sierra Leone.
“Ensure your invoices are accurate. Declare the right contents. Once payments are done, submit your receipts to NRA Customs on time so your ‘Wish List’ and other clearance papers can be processed without delay,” he said.
The Authority also confirmed that perishable goods are being given priority treatment to prevent waste.
REFORMS UNDER YANKUBA BIO
Under the leadership of Director General Yankuba Bio, SLPHA says it has introduced:
- Extended working hours to handle more cargo
- Improved cargo handling at the quay
- Closer coordination with the National Revenue Authority, NPRA, and shipping lines to reduce turnaround time
- New help desks at the port for importers facing challenges
- A joint taskforce with importers to improve communication and ensure paperwork is completed on time
A senior port official noted: “The President gave DG Yankuba Bio a mandate to fix the port and make it work for the people. The team is working day and night. Not every delay comes from SLPHA.