The Sierra Leone Standards Bureau on Wednesday 20th May, joined the global community to commemorate the World Metrology Day at its Head Quarters in Freetown, with the theme: “Building Trust in policy making”.
Delivering statement the Executive Director Sierra Leone Standards Bureau Dr. John Paul Kaisam underscored the significance of the day pointing out that this year’s theme reminds us that trust in governance begins with trust in measurement , which underpins fairness in trade, Consumer Protection , industrial Competitiveness and ultimately confidence in public policy.
Metrology he said is described as the science of measurement, it is the invisible foundation of trust in our daily lives.
He maintained that his institution plays a pivotal role in ensuring weight and measuring instruments are accurate and fair, provide traceability services, and strengthen consumer protection and regulatory credibility and national development.
He informed that his Office has begun decentralization process in the Northern and Southern Regions.
He appealed for supports from Government, EU , UNIDO and other development partners to help upgraded his laboratory facilities and to set the certification systems to be align with International benchmark to ensure that Sierra Leone’s products compete globally, stating that towards the end of this year to first quarter in next year, his institution micro Biology and food Chemistry laboratories will achieve ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
He stated that with support from PTB Sierra Leone Standards Bureau has established new pressure gauge equipment to undertake high precision calibration services.
He spoke on some of the logistical and infrastructural challenges confronting his organisation but pleaded for Donor support.
In her keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Trade and industry Haja Fatmata Kamara said metrology is a driver of economic growth and sustainable development and therefore form part of national medium term development plan pillars of 2024-2030 .
She described this year’s theme: “building trust in policy making” speaks directly to Sierra Leone national development agenda explaining that metrology encompasses good governance and economic development but must be based on trust and accuracy.
She went on to say that millions of people in both private and public sectors make decisions every day but the inconsistencies in measurements in our markets require special attention, stating that her Ministry will continue to support Sierra Leone Standards Bureau in the area of legal metrology and integrate metrology in national policy to promote quality and regional cooperation.
She maintained that her Ministry will ensure the country is built on accuracy, accountability and fairness in trade and general commerce so as to align with international best practices.
She further on the need for awareness raising on measurement to improve on quality and to overcome challenges of under measurements and under delivery among traders.
Earlier the Chairman of National Standards Council Professor Andrew Baimba confirmed that measurement is the heart beat of science saying that a country cannot achieve economic growth without reliable and accurate measurements systems , adding that Standards Bureau remains at the forefront of measurement with the installation of the State of the art equipment in the Micro Biology and food Chemistry laboratories for effective testing
The Country Representative of UNIDO Mrs. Mariatu Swaray maintained that they recognised metrology as the cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable development,
confirming that her organisation has been working with the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau through their technical assistance programme to strengthen metrology, Standards, accreditation and conformity assessment systems.
She also touched on the growing relevance of metrology in addressing emerging global issues of technology and digital, Internet and artificial intelligence to enhance precise and harmonize measurements.
Similarly in the context of climate change and environmental protection accurate measurement are essential for monitoring emissions, managing natural resources and supporting the transition to green and circular economies.
She concluded that UNIDO remains committed in strengthening national metrology institutions to enhance regional cooperation and promote awareness raising and capacity development.
European Union Representative Yannis Malisiovas observed that metrology and its applications are fundamental pillars of economic Competitiveness, consumer protection and credible international trade, noting that reliable measurements are essential to avoid dispute in trade, to reduce logistics costs and to ensure products from Sierra Leone are trusted in regional and international markets.
He stated that within the EU a highly developed framework of metrology ,Standards and Conformity assessment underpins the single market and demonstrates how robust quality infrastructure can drive integration, innovation and growth.
