By Desmond Tunde Coker
Sierra Leone Leading Telecom Orange Sierra Leone has committed their commitment to protecting the environment from hazardous human activities that lead to climate change and making it a safe place for every living being.
The commitment was re-echoed on Thursday, May 4, 2013, during the launch of Orange Sierra Leone Environmental Health and Safety Week in Freetown.
Speaking at the event that was attended by government officials, the Public Relations Officer of Orange, Mable Mason stated that the environment plays essential role to the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat, noting that our ecosystem is delicate and fragile, noting that it is our responsibility to ensure it sustainability.
She said the theme for this year’s environment day is ‘taking sustainable steps to reduce our carbon footprint with emphasis on the important of environmental responsibility’. She noted that the theme is a call for action for all to make conscious effort towards protecting the environment for future generation.
She said at Orange Sierra Leone, they recognise the importance of environmental and they have put in place measures to ensure that they operate sustainably, noting that they have implemented recycling programs, reduced plastic waste, and encouraged the use of renewable energy.
In his presentation, Head of Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, Kamal Omar Sheriff Abass, noted that Orange Sierra Leone is committed to protecting the environment.
He said the purpose of their environmental program is to ensure reduction of our carbon footprint and ensure the protection of the environment. He said that their environmental policy applies to the management, employees, and all Orange service providers.
He spoke about the need to contribute towards achieving the group ambition of net zero carbon by 2040 and to ensure compliance to environmental laws and national and international standards relating to the environment.
Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Sékou Amadou Bah, said that the environment is facing crisis, noting that it is the responsibility of everyone to protect the planet. “Whatever good we do for the planet we are actually protecting ourselves from the dangers of climate change,” he said.
He said we need to recognise the impacts of our daily actions towards the environment and take steps to reduce our carbon footprint which includes reducing waste, using renewable energy resources, supporting sustainable agriculture and advocating for environmental policies.
He said as a company, they have the responsibility to protect the environment and they believe that everyone has a role to play in reducing the impact of our daily activities on the planet.
He said that it is important to recognise the crucial role ofthe environment to their businesses, customers, employees and their staff.
Minister of Environment, Professor Foday Jaward said the government through his Ministry has over the years done a lot to protect the environment including embarking on sensitizing, and putting polices in place to protect the environment from hazardous human activities.
He said that Orange Sierra Leone is one of the companies that have really complied with the environmental regulations.
He said that one of the problems in the country is the lack of the enforcement of laws.