By Foday Moriba Conteh
The European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone and the Government of Sierra Leone have launched a €1,050,000 (Over 13 billion Leones) project titled, ” Empowered Falaba District Council for Efficient Service Delivery to the Citizens” under the Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development Project in Sierra Leone.
The launch took place at Mongo, district head quarter town of Falaba District in the Northern Region on the 27th January 2022 and it is part of European Union support towards development in Sierra Leone benefiting Six Councils and Civil Society Organizations.
Presenting an overview of the Project, the Chief Administrator of the Falaba District Council, Abubakarr Daramy, highlighted that the areas of concentration for Falaba District Council include the construction and rehabilitation of feeder roads and culverts across the district, construction of market stalls, construction of a multipurpose hall among others. He also mentioned capacity building for Council staff, COVID-19 support, support to farmers through seeds, barbed wire to prevent fracas between cattle-rearers and farmers as things to be accomplished.
Chairman of the Falaba District Council, Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, extended appreciation to the EU for their support, citing how they even rendered technical support through the PMU. He however noted that the EU and Government should pay attention to the road which is a major challenge towards development in the district citing that if access is there then it will be easy to drive other development activities.
In his statement, Falaba District Caucus representative, Hon. Alhaji Foday Madie Jabbie encouraged the Council to handle the support with care while praising the EU.
Other stakeholders like the representatives of the Paramount Chief, Civil Society Organizations all pledged commitment towards monitoring the project and thanked the EU for considering the district.
Head of Cooperation for EU, Gerald Hatler, emphasized that attention must be placed on revenue generating projects which will help in promoting sustainable development in the district.
He highlighted the benefits of decentralization citing how it worked for EU countries.
The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Tamba Lamina, while launching the project, assured the district of continuous support while applauding the EU for considering the two districts i.e Karene and Falaba.
He pledged commitment of collaboration and effective monitoring of the projects.
The launch was climaxed with the demonstration of expressed gratitude to the EU delegation infused in traditional dance, songs and presentation of gifts to members of the delegation.
