The Minister of Finance Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa has assured Sierra Leoneans that the government is going to replace all the thirteen ferry-crossing points in the country with modern bridges.
The Minister made this disclosure recently while he addressed contractors and other stakeholders in road infrastructure.
The local ferries are found at strategic river crossing points in the provinces, where they have been operating without engines for decades now. The ferries are pulled by human labor acquired by Sierra Leone Road Authority (SLRA).
He said that the government has secured funding to change the machinery at seven of the 13 ferry crossing points, and they are going to ensure that they secure funding for the remainder.
“These ferry-crossing points include Senehun Ferry in Mattru Jong, Sumbuya Ferry in Bo District, Mano Ferry in Kailahun, Sanda Magbolontor Ferry in Port Loko, Kabba Ferry in kamakwie, Kambarri Ferry in Yele among others,” he said.
According to Finance Minister, Jusu Saffa work on the seven for which funding had been secured will start in March 2021, noting that the consultant that won the contract could not come because of the outbreak of COVID-19 that led to the suspension of flights.
“Now that the airport has opened, we are expecting the consultant in-country,” he revealed.
“… while we are fighting the Coronavirus, while we are giving safety net to hotel workers, while we are strengthening the health systems, while we are improving spending on electricity by providing electricity at the districts level, we are still allocating huge fund towards road infrastructure,” he said.
He maintained that this is the year of delivery for this administration.
By Hasbin Shaw
23/09/2020. ISSUE NO: 7924