By Esther Wright
The Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Umaru Napoleon Koroma, on Saturday, September 29th, 2024, called on Sierra Leoneans to set aside political differences and unite in celebrating the recent signing of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact by President Julius Maada Bio. The signing, described as historic by Umaru Napoleon Koroma, took place in the United States and represents a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
He emphasized that the MCC Compact, worth $480 million, marks a major boost to the country’s energy sector. At a time when citizens are growing increasingly anxious for improved electricity access, the Compact aims to deliver precisely that, a key component of President Bio’s “Big Five” development priorities, the SLPP Scribe added.
The agreement, signed at the MCC Headquarters in Washington D.C., will focus on expanding and strengthening Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure. A statement from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education revealed that the Compact is expected to benefit over 4 million Sierra Leoneans, primarily by increasing access to electricity in key towns and cities. Additionally, the economic opportunities generated by this improved energy infrastructure are projected to uplift communities and foster growth across various sectors.
In an exclusive conversation with this publication, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, expressed disappointment with those who oppose the Compact on political grounds. He argued that it is unpatriotic to view the agreement through a partisan lens, emphasizing that the benefits transcend political affiliation.
“This is not about political ideologies,” Umaru Napoleon Koroma said. “We must all embrace this Compact and disregard irrelevant political nuances. The MCC Compact is for all Sierra Leoneans and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure its success.”
Umaru Napoleon Koroma reassured citizens that, despite the Compact’s conditions, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling the obligations laid out in President Bio’s “Big Five Game Changers” strategy. These key reforms, he noted, will not only ensure the country meets the MCC requirements but will also transform the nation’s energy sector to benefit all Sierra Leoneans, irrespective of their political alignment.
He reiterated that the Compact comes at a critical time when Sierra Leone is grappling with power challenges and its successful implementation will have a direct impact on improving the quality of life for millions across the country.
Umaru Napoleon Koroma concluded by urging Sierra Leoneans to focus on the collective good, emphasizing that national development should always take precedence over political rivalry. “At the end of the day, the MCC Compact represents a win for every Sierra Leonean and it is time we all put country first.
