The Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has on Thursday revealed plans by President Julius Maada Bio to construct modern market for traders who sell on the main road along Tombo Junction to Five-Five in Waterloo.
Speaking to audience at the Waterloo Rural District Council Hall in Waterloo, the Vice President disclosed that he and other Ministers were in Waterloo to meet with stakeholders of the district and map out ways to actualize the plans of President Bio. Explaining on the reasons for the construction of the market, Vice President Jalloh told the audience that Government is constructing the market with the aim of relocating traders who sell along the busy highway leading to the provinces.
Dr. Jalloh rationalized the purpose for the construction of the market by saying that the unhealthy conditions under which traders sell and the geography of the road in case there is a problem on a vehicle could be fatal.
He disclosed that the market when constructed will be spacious with water and toilet facilities.
He informed the audience that a technical committee headed by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development has been composed, adding that the committee also included the Council Chairman and other stakeholders in the district, and traders. The essence of the Committee is to collaborate on the land identification and allocation, construction plan, monitoring and supervision of the construction work, Vice President Jalloh said. He explained that the inclusion of traders’ representative on the technical committee is to ensure that the traders’ representative inform the general membership of traders and marketers on activities of the construction project.
The plans to construct the market by the Government of President Bio demonstrate his care and concern for the people of Waterloo, Dr. Jalloh reiterated. Vice President Jalloh furthered that the presence of high power delegation sent by President Bio showed his recognition of the relevance of Waterloo. He concluded that the construction of the modern market marks the beginning of the transformation of Waterloo into a city.
The Chairman of Waterloo District Council Cashor Holland Cole applauded the New Direction Government for the plans to construct the market. He noted that the construction of the market had been the dream of the council, but the dream could not be actualized due to the high cost involved. Chairman Cole appealed to Vice President Jalloh for Waterloo to be updated to City status, considering the size of its population.
By: Aaron Bundu Lahai-Head of Media & Public Relations
09/03/2021. ISSUE NO: 8016