By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In response to the pressing challenges of climate change, Alhassan Islam Tarawallie has launched an innovative initiative in Sierra Leone, producing charcoal from agricultural waste. As the founder of the Green Charcoal Energy Briquette Company in Kenema, Mr. Tarawallie transforms by-products such as rice husks, cocoa peels, cassava peels, and palm kernels into eco-friendly charcoal.
In an interview with Awoko Newspaper, Mr. Tarawallie discussed the positive impacts of his work, not only in Sierra Leone but across the Mano River Union countries. He expressed gratitude to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and its Opportunity Salone Project, which has played a pivotal role in advancing his business.
The Opportunity Salone Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the ILO, focuses on job creation and supporting small and medium enterprises in four districts. It targets the vegetable, cassava, and palm oil value chains, linking farmers to markets and facilitating infrastructure development, such as feeder roads.
As a beneficiary of the project, Mr. Tarawallie highlighted the unique features of his smokeless, economical, and portable charcoal, which is packaged in cartons containing 72 solid pieces weighing approximately 6 kilograms.
The idea for his business emerged about four years ago when he faced difficulties sourcing charcoal after the birth of his child. “We struggled to find charcoal, so I began using rice husks and other carbonated materials to create our own,” he recounted. After initial success, he and his wife considered turning their idea into a business, but they faced challenges in securing support and capital.
Mr. Tarawallie’s fortunes changed when he met Mr. Tonderai Manoto, the Chief Technical Advisor of the Opportunity Salone Project, who visited his enterprise. With the project’s support, he transformed his manual processes into a more advanced operation, now employing 29 staff members. “Thanks to ILO support, we’ve evolved from a small enterprise to a company with markets not only in Kenema but also in Bo, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria,” he added.
Another notable beneficiary of the Opportunity Salone Project is Bintu Fofanah, CEO of Salbin Cutting Edge Enterprise in Kenema. She specializes in producing advanced agricultural tools and machinery, including palm oil processing machines and cassava graters. “Before, life was challenging, but since establishing my welding enterprise through the Opportunity Salone Project, I’m doing well and can support my family while creating jobs for others,” she said.
Despite societal expectations that such work is typically associated with men, Ms. Fofanah is determined to prove that women can excel in this field. “My goal is to expand my business beyond Kenema,” she affirmed.
Recently, a delegation of experts, including representatives from the ILO, European Union, and Local Content Agency, visited Kenema to assess the project’s impact on local communities. Following their inspections of feeder roads and enterprises developed through the project, Mr. Manoto expressed satisfaction with the progress. “We are employing labour-based technologies for road construction, and despite some challenges due to the rainy season, the work is commendable,” he stated.
The condition of the road to Potehun Dakpaya Section in Nongowa Chiefdom, once a hazard for bike riders and vehicles, has greatly improved. Karim Mansaray, a local bike rider, noted, “The road was in terrible shape, but thanks to the ILO’s intervention, it’s now much more accessible.”
Isatu Lansana, who trades palm oil at Bendu Junction, echoed these sentiments, saying, “It was challenging to transport our agricultural produce, but the new road has made it easier and more affordable.”
Chief Musa Samai of Bendu Junction also praised the improvements. Mr. Manoto concluded that the project has surpassed its four-year targets for job creation and skills training, aiming to reach between 5,000 and 6,000 beneficiaries by the end of the extended project period. MJB/21/10/2024
