By Sallieu S, Kanu
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister Dr. Moinina David Senge has reassured the people of Kono district that their district matters to President Julius Maada and the Sierra Leone’s People’s Party, and the government will continue to deliver on its manifesto promises.
He made this disclosure on Saturday, 17th August during the Office of the Chief Minister Townhall Series held in different locations and target groups in the district (College, Ataya Base, Kono District Council Hall, Sierra Leone’s People’s Party Office in the District).
“President Bio promised electricity to the people of Kono and he delivered. There is no district in Sierra Leone with a consistent power supply like Kono District. I am here as the Chief Minister to reassure you that, for Kono, we will deliver,” he said.
He stated that in 2021, President Bio commissioned the start of the construction of a 78-kilometer-long Koidu-Guinea border highway, saying that the $94 million infrastructure would open business space and promote trade between Sierra Leone and Guinea. “As Chief Minister, let me assure you all that we will deliver the road”.
According to the Chief Minister, ‘#WeWillDeliver’ doesn’t mean the government has not yet delivered, it means they are not satisfied with what they have done, not satisfied with where they are, and because they as a government are not satisfied with what they have done so far that’s why they say #WeWillDeliver.
He said President Bio has also delivered on Kono University, noting that there are about 130 students set to graduate from Kono University. He disclosed to the people of Kono that the government has secured the funding for the construction of the Kono University and disbursement has also been done to the consultant. He told the people of Kono that diamonds should not be the biggest value for people in the district but education, he highlighted the gains Kono District has made in education in the last couple of years.
According to the Chief Minister, inclusive and participatory governance is key to President Bio’s agenda, noting that the Town Hall meeting will be replicated in every district and they’ve already done one for Bombali and Moyamba District. He stressed the significance of elected officials always going back to the people and giving them updates on how far the government has gone in implementing what they promised, and also getting information firsthand on areas of intervention from the people. He regarded the Townhall Meeting Series as complimentary governance.
Highlighting gains made since President Bio was re-elected, the Chief Minister spoke about the delivery architecture of the government, among other things he mentioned the performance contract where he encouraged citizens to read the document which is in public, and hold public officials responsible when they fall short. He said this is in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The Chief Minister calls on the people of Kono to support the ‘Feed Salone’ Project, adding that every Sierra Leonean has the opportunity to support the ‘Feed Salone’ Project, even with the smallest of gestures by buying local produce from the market. As part of the visit, the Chief Minister also joined the Minister of Agriculture to distribute farming equipment and fertilizers to farmers in the Kono district.
He calls on the people of Kono to be together and love one another, noting that political ideology should not separate them. They can be part of their separate political parties and stay united. He regarded Kono as a melting pot of different tribes, cultures, and people and it will be fine if all of them can agree that political ideology must not separate them and ensure that peace reigns.
Those present were allowed to ask questions and channel their concerns during the Townhall Series. They requested the completion of the road project, job opportunities, improved healthcare, and scholarships for students among others.