November 16, 2020 (232News)
FREETOWN – As a way of enforcing the Covid-19 regulations after the lifting of the nationwide curfew for a period of four (4) weeks, Sierra Leone Government National Covid-19 Emergency Response Centre (NACOVERC) has levied fines on 56 shops at Sani Abacha Street.
After the routine change of guards at East End Police, the new teamfirst began their operation by targeting public buses and other vehicles plying the east – west routes for two weeks and later changed their operation to shops.
Office of National Security (ONS) John KabbaSesay attached to the operational team said among other things that they are in that area to ensure that people comply with the rules of Covid-19 and also maintain social distance.
He pointed out that they want to ensure that shops adhere to IPC rules
According to him, the shifting of the operation to shops is part of their routine. He said a week ago they moved around Sani Abacha Street, Kissy Road, Goderich Street and environs to advice and sensitize them to comply by the rules but some of them refused which is why they have been left with no alternative but to impose fines on them.
The previous day the team moved around to ascertain that after three days window period those they have fined have paid up their fines.
Sesay described Abacha Street as one of the streets in the Central Business District (CBD) where they have encountered lot of confrontation and resistance.
He further stated that based on the economic situation, some traders are saying the fine was too much for them, some paid as soon as they were find while some refused to pay unless the team moved to their business places. Payments are made through the bank.
He described the operation as a successful one noting that they were flexible in their demands based on the approach of defaulters.
The operational team had to close some shops before they went to do their payment while some did it willing. Some of the defaulters are: 63 Sani Abacha Street Bambilla and Brother’s Enterprise, 63 Sani Abacha Street Sokai and Sons, 65 Sani Abacha Street Ferrea Enterprise, 48 Sani Abacha Street Dhaka Enterprise, 2 Kissy Road Jalal Enterprise 2 Kissy Road BNG Enterprise.
A press release on Monday, October 26, 2020 by the NACOVERC stated that ALL other COVID-19 related regulations shall remain in full force and violations thereof will be appropriately dealt with. The release stated that the public behavior during this dispensation may inform NACOVERC of any eventual review of the decision.
