Reports from Sierra Leone indicates that a total of eighty-four workers have been sacked by the Sierra Leone Port Authority (SLPA) as part of its downsizing of its workforce in the ongoing privatization process which commenced since 2011, CEOAFRICA news desk gathered

Speaking to the media about this development, the SLPA communication officer Abdul Kabia declared that the affected workers were selected from all sections of the SLPA, including senior executives, while adding that the Authority have made necessary arrangements regarding the payment of benefits for affected workers.

Kabia further explained that more workers would still be retrenched, as work is ongoing in order to improve the facilities of the Authority, as construction of a new jetty or landing site for vessels that berth at the Oueen Elizabeth II quay will soon start.

However, the retrenchment exercise has become source of worry for workers of the Authority as majority have called on government to monitor the exercise. Those who spoke explained that the process was going pretty well, before it was hijacked by political inference, although they admitted that the Authority functions better than when it was being run by government.

Meanwhile, some of the retrenched workers confirmed that they’ve received their benefits from the Authority.