){kind=link}
By Lawrence Williams
An audit into the operational effectiveness of the Freetown International Airport (FIA) has identified potential risks of air collision, thus raising alarm about the safety of both flights and passengers.
The findings further indicate that the Suma Airport Company that runs the FIA under a built, operate and transfer (BOT) agreement was obligated to procure and install new equipment at the airport control tower. However, physical inspections and interviews conducted by the auditors revealed that the company has negated this responsibility.
The report warns that Summa’s failure to install the equipment could increase the risk of an air collision at the airport.
“Failure by the company to procure new equipment for the control tower as indicated in the agreement with the SLAA increases the risk of air collision.” – Annual Auditor-General’s Report FY2023
The auditors recommended immediate action by both the Sierra Leone Airport Authority (SLAA) and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) to ensure Summa Airport Company complies with the agreement.