Working in Sierra Leone
May 30th 2011, 9:19 am
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1
Working in Sierra Leone
I would like to find out more about working in Sierra Leone.
I have a possible position with African Minerals working on a mine site, and I know nothing about the conditions etc. I would be very grateful if anyone can help me in this regard.
Dave Stephenson
I have a possible position with African Minerals working on a mine site, and I know nothing about the conditions etc. I would be very grateful if anyone can help me in this regard.
Dave Stephenson
May 30th 2011, 10:42 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 86
Re: Working in Sierra Leone
Hi Dave
I know nothing about working in Sierra Leone but I have just finished reading '
'The Memory of Love' by Aminatta Forba which covers the terrible war and what the people have been through. Beautiful love story.
Always helps I think when working in African country to try to appreciate
the background of the nation and not judge people too harshly.
Good luck with the job. You should go and fiind out for yourself, mining companies usually look out for their employees.
I know nothing about working in Sierra Leone but I have just finished reading '
'The Memory of Love' by Aminatta Forba which covers the terrible war and what the people have been through. Beautiful love story.
Always helps I think when working in African country to try to appreciate
the background of the nation and not judge people too harshly.
Good luck with the job. You should go and fiind out for yourself, mining companies usually look out for their employees.
Oct 19th 2011, 11:19 am
#3
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
Re: Working in Sierra Leone
It is poor dnagerous in free town there are no utilitys and power oftern doesnt work. Medical is very basic advice a exit plan.
If You are being paid from the country what ever currency you have to pay 30% tax.
If anyone has any infromation on tax avoidance as this rate makes working there a waste of time.
Regards
Dan
If You are being paid from the country what ever currency you have to pay 30% tax.
If anyone has any infromation on tax avoidance as this rate makes working there a waste of time.
Regards
Dan
Oct 19th 2011, 7:26 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Melbourne, Australia & Maputo, Mozambique, working in Somalia
Posts: 330
Re: Working in Sierra Leone
You say it is poor Daniel?...Mmmm....would that have anything to do with all the tax avoiders?
Oct 19th 2011, 8:03 pm
#5
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
Re: Working in Sierra Leone
Thank you for your kind retort, I have no issue paying tax but having been there this tax does not go to the people. It does not to help the people either.
I was just asking a adult question. I hope in the future that the money does end up going to build schools, hospitals roads and even power stations for people to have a better standard of life (even waste management as medical waste is deposited on beaches).
Until then i am quiet happy to pay tax in my country or residence.
So was asking if anyone has any advice concerning this .
Regards
I was just asking a adult question. I hope in the future that the money does end up going to build schools, hospitals roads and even power stations for people to have a better standard of life (even waste management as medical waste is deposited on beaches).
Until then i am quiet happy to pay tax in my country or residence.
So was asking if anyone has any advice concerning this .
Regards
Oct 24th 2011, 2:44 pm
#6
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2011
Location: 60m above Sea Level
Posts: 24
Re: Working in Sierra Leone
Freetown is a stunning town, full of life and action. But not for the faint hearted. UN class as a family duty station but is def better for singles. Few to no tourists in town, they get eaten on arrival. After a couple of weeks settling in, you'll get the hang of it and its pretty relaxed. I spent 10mths there and it was well worth the experience. Elec is bad but getting better, most buildings (hotels and houses) have on site generators, and they are needed. Despite the extended rainy season, water also an issue as pipe systems and pressure fail frequently.
Beaches are stunning and get down to the south River No.2 etc for weekend escape from hassle. Weekends at Atlantic bar is a good start to meet the crew, expats tend to stick to the same usuals and its fine to move on to the local haunts afterwards. AF are on the boom so there will be many others in your situation. You can move around at night but take care, little in the way of street lighting and trouble is opportunistic and not common. Hussle is common. Transport form the airport is by speed boat or Ukraine Mil-8 helicopter about 85USD each way (a LOT of fun!!), occasionally the ex UK hovercraft is working but it has sunk 3+ times and had a wash out each time!
Food options are actually quite good, Mamba Point features some of the best Sushi I've had and western happiness. You will get sick and fairly frequently mostly from food and preparation but thats life on the west. Several well stocked supermarkets mostly run by lebanese, but fresh produce is dire so get used to can.
Experience in Africa or a Cambodian border town is a must. Its certainly life to the full and a little on the fruity side, but well worth the experience, the friendships you'll make are for life.
Roads are crap and the place hasn't had a lick of paint since independence, but after a troubled past, its doing ok and been in peace for several years. You will need a car (60-100USD per day 4WD, drive urself is best) and hotels are few and overpriced 100-150USD p/n check Hotel Barmoi or Country Lodge for a pleasant arrival stop -- don't stay in the airport town Lungi.
Goodluck and PM direct if you need details.
Best.
Beaches are stunning and get down to the south River No.2 etc for weekend escape from hassle. Weekends at Atlantic bar is a good start to meet the crew, expats tend to stick to the same usuals and its fine to move on to the local haunts afterwards. AF are on the boom so there will be many others in your situation. You can move around at night but take care, little in the way of street lighting and trouble is opportunistic and not common. Hussle is common. Transport form the airport is by speed boat or Ukraine Mil-8 helicopter about 85USD each way (a LOT of fun!!), occasionally the ex UK hovercraft is working but it has sunk 3+ times and had a wash out each time!
Food options are actually quite good, Mamba Point features some of the best Sushi I've had and western happiness. You will get sick and fairly frequently mostly from food and preparation but thats life on the west. Several well stocked supermarkets mostly run by lebanese, but fresh produce is dire so get used to can.
Experience in Africa or a Cambodian border town is a must. Its certainly life to the full and a little on the fruity side, but well worth the experience, the friendships you'll make are for life.
Roads are crap and the place hasn't had a lick of paint since independence, but after a troubled past, its doing ok and been in peace for several years. You will need a car (60-100USD per day 4WD, drive urself is best) and hotels are few and overpriced 100-150USD p/n check Hotel Barmoi or Country Lodge for a pleasant arrival stop -- don't stay in the airport town Lungi.
Goodluck and PM direct if you need details.
Best.
Jan 4th 2012, 10:12 am
#7
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1
Re: Working in Sierra Leone
Hi Dave,
did you make it out to SL and AML? If so how's it going as might do the same!
Let me know, would be much appreciated.
PJMartins
did you make it out to SL and AML? If so how's it going as might do the same!
Let me know, would be much appreciated.
PJMartins
Jun 3rd 2012, 5:03 pm
#8
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2
Re: Working in Sierra Leone
Hi. does anyone here work for or has been employed by AML in sierra leone. If so please could you let me know your views.
Thanks . Steven
Thanks . Steven
