By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Sierra Leone Parliament was lively on Monday, November 25, 2024, as Members of Parliament (MPs) debated the Finance Act 2025. Among the voices that stood out was Hon. Alusine Bash Kamara, representing Karene District, who delivered a compelling address centered on “Improving the Well-Being and Quality of Life of Sierra Leoneans.”
Hon. Alusine Bash Kamara presented a series of proposals aimed at enhancing infrastructure and social welfare especially for the aged across the country. He underscored the urgent need to enhance a robust social safety net under the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security. He emphasized that such an initiative would uplift the lives of the poor and vulnerable, particularly the elderly excluded from the contributory National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) scheme, despite their significant contributions to national development.
While commending the Ministry of Finance for allocating funds for cash transfers to vulnerable senior citizens, Hon. Alusine Bash Kamara lamented that the allocation was insufficient. He expressed concern that the aged population in Karene would not benefit adequately and called on fellow MPs to advocate for increased funding to the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security to address this gap nationwide.
The MP also called for the construction of District Council offices in Karene, Falaba and Port Loko Districts, highlighting that similar offices had been built for other Councils under the previous APC Government.
Turning to infrastructure, Hon. Alusine Bash Kamara expressed gratitude for the prioritization of development in the 2025 Budget but noted critical omissions. He urged the inclusion of the Kabba Ferry and Batkanu Bridge projects, emphasizing their importance for economic connectivity. Additionally, he appealed to the Government to depoliticize the Makeni-Kamakwie road project, which was excluded from the budget.
Hon. Alusine Bash Kamara highlighted the significance of local rivers such as the Bale River and Banthoroh River, which serve as lifelines for communities in Karene District. He stressed that their inclusion in the infrastructural plans is essential for the region’s overall development. He argued that while the NLe 497.3 billion budget, supported by international partners like the World Bank, African Development Bank and Kuwait Fund, is substantial, it must address the pressing needs of impoverished populations rather than focusing solely on economic stabilization.
The MP painted a vivid picture of how poor road conditions in rural Sierra Leone hinder economic progress and social mobility. He advocated for the construction of the Sanda-Magbolotor Bridge, linking Karene and Port Loko Districts, as well as other critical roads like the Kabata Junction to Gbinti Road and the Buya Safrokoh Road. He emphasized their importance to the success of initiatives like the Feed Salone Program.
The charismatic Member of Parliament remains optimistic that his proposals will garner support and contribute to meaningful changes in Karene District and the country as a whole. His advocacy marks a pivotal step toward addressing local challenges and fostering sustainable development, offering hope for a brighter future for the district’s residents and Sierra Leoneans in general.
