By Millicent Senava Mannah
The Institute of Governance Reform (IGR) launched its much-anticipated ‘Tragedies in Politics’ Volume 2 on March 12th, 2014, shedding light on the critical need for Governmental collaboration with the private sector to bolster economic growth and service delivery.
During the launch event held at the IGR Conference Room, Off Spur Road, Freetown, Andrew Lavalie, the Executive Director of IGR, emphasized the potential benefits of such partnerships. He underscored that embracing collaboration could lead to increased revenue, the creation of decent jobs and enhanced services.
Highlighting the historical backdrop of failed Government-run enterprises across Africa, Andrew Lavalie pointed out the adverse effects on poverty alleviation efforts. Drawing from the findings of Volume 1, which delved into the repercussions of failed privatization attempts in the economy, he stressed the urgency for a paradigm shift in Governmental approaches.
The Executive Director elucidated on the mismanagement of State assets, citing examples such as Sierratel, Road Transport Corporation, and EDSA, which collectively suffered losses exceeding $1.5 billion in the past 15 years. He lamented the detrimental impact on employment, revenue generation, and service provision due to nepotistic appointments and undervalued asset sales.
Moreover, the Executive Director unveiled a stark comparison between the management of internet infrastructure by Government agencies versus private entities. He presented a case study involving the Africa Coast to Europe’s Submarine Fiber Optic Cable Infrastructure, initially overseen by a Government agency called SALCAB.
Andrew Lavalie revealed that Governmental management led to financial mismanagement and deteriorating service quality, culminating in mounting debts and inadequate bandwidth delivery. However, a shift to private sector management, exemplified by the engagement of Zood Labs, a US-owned company, resulted in remarkable improvements.
According to him, under private management, the former SALCAB experienced a resurgence, with substantial tax revenues and concession fees benefiting the national treasury. He argued that the wholesale fiber internet prices plummeted promising more affordable internet access for households and businesses, thereby stimulating economic growth.
The Executive Director concluded by urging Governments to foster constructive partnerships with the private sector, emphasizing the importance of policy frameworks and governance mechanisms. He advocated for diligent enforcement and monitoring to ensure mutually beneficial collaborations and sustainable development.
As ‘Tragedies in Politics’ Volume 2 ignites discourse on effective governance strategies, the call for public-private collaboration echoes louder signalling a potential turning point in Africa’s socio-economic landscape.
