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Misuse Of Social Media By Miscreants Needs To Be Guarded Against…

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is very reassuring that Sierra Leoneans beyond tribe, region, politics and profession have  generally risen up to speak out against the misuse of social media platforms such as whatsapp by some people to propagate hate messages and fake news with the potential to cause unrest and violence.

This has been made possible with the increase in the use of smart phones by the masses which has enabled Sierra Leone to join the global communications revolution; with social media spreading its wings far and wide among the masses.

This spread has its positive effects on society by way of contributing immeasurably to awareness, connectivity, education, business, banking, etc.

However, while acknowledging the benefits of digital empowerment of the masses, it has also brought challenges with some of its reckless abuse posing serious dilemma of striking the balance between freedom of speech and expression, awareness, empowerment and the obligation to prevent mobile platforms are not used to be vehicles to commit crime, incite hatred, provoke terrorism, extremism, promote money laundering, commit cyber-crimes, etc.

As such, whilst it is undeniable that social media has brought the world and its citizens tremendous communications, scientific, technological, educational, health, business, cultural and relationship gains by enabling people across time and space to reach other instantly, its greatest disadvantage is its misuse by miscreants, trouble makers and all kinds of wickedly minded political malcontented people to wreak havoc on the lives of others and society at large.

Talking about the abuse, politics comes into mind. Social media is as prone to misuse as your computer is to the virus, as seen recently in the new practice of the Adebayors and Austin Johnnys to defame people, community, religion, etc, through social media.

Notably, in our country, social media is being increasingly used to defame. The most affected people through are politicians and celebrities who have been punished brutally by social media abusers.

Alongside defamation goes spreading of false and unreliable information through people creating fake email accounts of celebrities and spreading untrue stories about them. Marriages and relationships have been ruined by people posting nude and compromising pictures.

Miscreants morph videos and pictures to cause sensational mental images in order to provoke riots by vested political interests. Such provocation leads to hate and revenge messages.

The danger is that, if there are no regulations or limitations on social media, the repercussions could be harmful to both individuals and society.

Thus, many people are concerned that with the growing use of and access to social media, the law governing the media is not equipped to deal with the consequences of its misuse that result in unacceptable social behavior.

As such, there are many who opine that the Government because of its commitment to respect freedom of speech and expression, freedom of choice and responsibility towards the right to privacy of the citizen must be equally cognizant of the mandate of the Constitution where the freedom of speech and expression is subject to reasonable restrictions relating to public order, decency and morality, and in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.

Krio Descendant Drag Government to Court

Amin Kef Sesay

On Friday, 28th August 2020, the Krio Descendants Union in collaboration with the Krio Community and the Renner family filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone challenging the validity of the Provinces Lands Act 1960, a discriminatory colonial statute inherited from the British.

The Plaintiffs are claiming that the Provinces Lands Act, Cap. 122 of the Laws of Sierra Leone, along with other specific definitional statutes are inconsistent with the 1991 Sierra Leone constitution in that it discriminates specifically against Krios, whose place of origin is in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. This statute precludes Krios from acquiring any customary land rights or freehold title in the Provinces, restricting them to acquiring only leasehold interest of a specific duration.

This, the Plaintiffs contend, is in violation of Section 27 (1) of the Sierra Leone Constitution which prohibits discrimination on the basis of tribe or place of origin.

The Krios are statutorily classified as “non-natives” which definition also includes those persons of European or Asiatic origin. No other tribe in Sierra Leone are subject to such statutory restrictions.

It is also argued that Cap. 122 violates their right to Freedom of Movement guaranteed by Section 18 (1) of the Constitution as they cannot reside or settle freely in the Provinces unless the consent of a tribal chief is secured.

Lastly, it is contended that the statute unduly impact on their Freedom of Assembly and Association in violation of Section 26 (1) of the constitution as the Plaintiffs ability to live with associate or spend time with their brothers and sisters from the Provinces is constrained.

The Plaintiffs are seeking a declaration from the Supreme Court that those portions of the Provinces Lands Act that impact upon Krios be declared unconstitutional, stricken and rendered null and void. They also seek substantial damages against the Government of Sierra Leone for failing to repeal this statute since independence and retaining same as part of the laws of Sierra Leone for the last 59 years despite its patently discriminatory effect on Krios.

Alternatively, the Plaintiffs seek reparations from the Government and an allocation of 100 hectares of land in each of the 12 Districts in the Provinces as compensation. This Supreme Court case was filed by the law firms of Garber & Co and Campbell & Co based in Freetown.

Real Mack Signs Partnership with Seedorf Soccerlink Academy & Agency 

By Brima Sannoh

Sierra Leone’s First Division football club, REAL MACK FC, has signed a four-in-one partnership agreement with SoccerLink Football Academy and Agency. The signing ceremony took place virtually between the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Real Mack FC, Mahmoud Mackie and SoccerLink Management.

The Five Years agreement makes provision for SoccerLink agency to be in charge of marketing and representing Real Mack’s FC and players, provide kits sponsorship from Turkey textiles company, NIKE branding, provide qualified and standard coaches with UEFA – A license, players exchange program and organize tours to expose the players around the world.

The agreement signed by the two ‘footballing’ institutions is to develop a strong working relationship with mutual benefit.

Paul Wilson, the Director of Seedorf soccer link academy said they are delighted to have entered into a partnership with one of Sierra Leone’s most structured football clubs. He said the partnership will be promising for Real Mack FC and Sierra Leone’s football.

“We are looking forward to a prosperous journey,” said Paul Wilson, Director SoccerLink.

On his own part, the Chief Executive Officer of Real Mack, Mahmoud Mackie noted that August 31, 2020, is a  memorable day for him and the club – “I am excited to have created another avenue to sell Sierra Leone to the world through football,” he stated.

The all proud and beaming owner of Real Mack football club maintained that this day is a big day for football fans of the club and football in Sierra Leone.

“I called on our players to make good use of this big opportunity at their doorstep to achieve their dream destination in football”

The ever cheerful CEO affirmed determination to see that the five-year contract ratified with Soccerlink football academy comes out successful.

Soccerlink football Academy is operating in four countries around the world with structured football clubs in Ghana, Swaziland, Portugal and Sierra Leone.

The football agency and academy has been in football management around the world for twelve years. Real Mack FC Sierra Leone is the second club in West Africa to attain a partnership with the footballing agency.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has been affecting the running of football in Sierra Leone with no indication of when football will resume, the club has been working behind the scenes to achieve its targeted goals for 2020.

#ThePharmacyboysonthemove

Big Idea of the Week: Wearing Face Masks in Public Places is a Must

Big Idea is No Mask? No Go

By Amin Kef Sesay

This week, 30th August – 5th September 2020, the Big Idea is No Mask? No Go.  It is important to underscore that we must continue the practice of wearing face masks in public places. The wearing of face masks in public places, especially at this crucial moment when the world is battling with the corona virus cannot be overemphasized. It is one of the precautionary measures that must be adhered to by all and sundry to prevent the spread of the virus.

As a matter of fact it is deemed illegal for members of the public to deliberately refuse to wear face masks in public places and as such is punishable by law.

Masks keep transport running and safe for all Transport unions and drivers, let’s come together in solidarity and say no to any passenger not wearing a face mask. One person without a mask is a risk to all. If all drivers refuse to take any passenger who is not wearing a face mask, then passengers will know they cannot move without a mask.

Your mask is your safety ticket for transport! Taking only passengers with face mask helps avoid delays by law enforcement and fines. Taking less passengers and having to pay fines for taking passengers without face masks are making it challenging for some drivers to stay in business. Let’s make sure we all wear our face masks to keep transport running smoothly and safe for all.

When using transport, passengers put their safety in drivers’ hands – safety from accidents and from coronavirus. All drivers and passengers deserve safe transport! Corona fet na we all fet! Suggestions for people to interview Heads of transport unions, Drivers, Police officers, people who have had COVID-19, Community leaders.

Suggestions for questions for interviews and panel discussions: Why should we wear face masks correctly when taking transport? Why is it important for all drivers to refuse passengers who are not wearing a mask?  What can we do if a driver/other passengers are not wearing a mask correctly? What challenges might you face when taking transport if not everyone is wearing a mask?  What role does everyone (drivers, passengers, law enforcement) play in making sure we keep transport running smoothly and safely for all?

Additional messages For Drivers/Operators: Most of us use transport at some point. That means you may be riding with others who are more likely to get seriously sick from coronavirus including older people and people with other health conditions. You will make your job easier and your life safer by refusing all passengers who are not wearing a mask.

Local transport drivers and law enforcement should work together in busy areas to make sure only passengers with mask board transport. If you allow people to board your vehicle, bike or keke without face masks, you are putting everyone’s health at risk. Other passengers depend on you to protect their safety and only take passengers with masks. Drivers should continue to help passengers keep a distance from others while on board.

Remember coronavirus spreads from person to person so putting space between people will make it harder for the virus to spread. For Passengers Always put on a cloth face mask when leaving your home and keep it on correctly when using public transport and riding in any private vehicle with more than one person. Without a mask, a driver has the right to refuse to take you. Your mask is your safety ticket for transport! Without a mask, both you and the driver can be fined.

Getting stopped by the police also can make you late and create stress. Wearing your mask will keep you moving and avoid stress. If a vehicle pulls over to pick you, but the driver or others are not wearing a mask, it is okay to say you will wait for the next vehicle. “Yu nor mask, ar nor go!”

You have a responsibility to always wear a mask to protect fellow passengers. You don’t know if they have other health conditions that can make them more likely to get seriously sick if they get the virus.

Wearing a mask every time you are riding in any form of public transport helps protect you and helps protect others. For everyone Let’s make sure coronavirus does not travel between us by washing our hands frequently with soap and water, wearing masks correctly by covering our noses and mouths, keeping distance from each other in transport, and staying home and calling 117 if you have fever, tiredness, and cough. Wearing a mask can help stop the spread of coronavirus, but only if it is used correctly by covering your mouth and nose. So please let us wear our face masks over our noses and mouths at all times in public.

GoSL Enhanced COVID-19 Prevention Measures for local transport while the inter-district lockdown has been lifted, the earlier changes to operating and using public transport to help keep us all safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus remain in place. All transport parks must have hand washing stations.

Use them to wash your hands when entering and leaving the park and before getting into any vehicle. All drivers, including okada and kekeh drivers, should carry and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% base alcohol. All kinds of motor transport will continue to help passengers keep distance from others. Coronavirus spreads from person to person so putting space between people will make it harder for the virus to spread.

Taxis will continue to be limited to three passengers at a time (one front, two at the back seat).  Kekehs will continue to be limited to two passengers at a time.  In poda-podas and buses, there will continue to be no middle row seat and no standing.

Ferries and boats must not carry more than half of their normal capacity of passengers at a time. Less people on board gives passengers room to keep safe distance of at least one meter, or arms-stretched length, from others. Always put on a cloth face mask when leaving your home and keep it on correctly when using public transport and riding in any private vehicle with more than one person.

Wearing a cloth mask can help stop the spread of coronavirus but only if it is used correctly by covering your mouth and nose. Remember – coronavirus is not spread from our chins; it is spread from our noses and mouths. So please let us wear our cloth face masks over our nose and mouths at all times in public.

Anyone using public transport, including drivers, who is not wearing a mask, may be fined one hundred thousand Leones (Le100, 000) or detained by police.

If a driver or passenger is found not wearing a mask for a second time, the vehicle will be seized. All seized motorbikes and tricycles may be reclaimed on payment of a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand Leones (Le250, 000) and one million Leones for cars and buses (Le1,000,000). If a vehicle is not reclaimed within one month, it will be permanently impounded and disposed of.

NP-SL’s Commitment to Petroleum Marketing is Unparalleled

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd).

By Amin Kef Sesay

There is no gainsaying that NP-SL Ltd.’s imprint on the petroleum business landscape within the West African Sub-Region is indeed awesome. Indeed, if we are identifying business entities that have made indelible imprints within the West African sub-region, then the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) stands tall.

This could not in any way be an overstatement or exaggeration as the facts speak out clearly of a company that originated from a humble origin, established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans, former employees of British Petroleum (BP) Company , who bought shares after BP decided to fold up its operations in this country.

As a result of selflessness, the sheer determination to succeed in their investment venture and the steady injection of sound managerial initiatives, this small entity grew over the years to become a towering petroleum business company that now has vibrant branches within the West African sub-region in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

Today you can find the presence of the company in those countries, easily spotted by its green and yellow colours as well as its attractive well-constructed Filling Stations, which are very spacious to accommodate many vehicles, some having shopping marts, tire repairing/mending sections.

Because of its proactive stance with regards quality service delivery, with the avowed objective of always maximizing the interests of its numerous customers, within the petroleum business context, the company has earned the reputation of being 1st for Customer Care. This could not be dismissed as any theoretical attribution because the Shareholders and various Management team, over the years, have rolled out concreate steps and initiatives that still continue to give utmost satisfaction to all its customers everywhere the company is operating.

A realistic demonstration of doing so was borne out of the pragmatic step taken in the direction of securing and installing at its Filling Stations calibrated pumping machines, highly capable of pumping the correct amount of fuel, petrol or diesel, that a particular customer demand, displaying quantity in litre and the price. With such machines in place, obviously, customers always have the conviction that transactions are transparent which gives them the confidence to remain glued to a company that they trust. This is the situation in all the aforementioned countries where the company is steadily operating.

To enhance public safety and by extension that of its customers, the company made it paramount to clearly display precautionary measures at all its Filling Stations out of which these include but not limited to avoid smoking when within the precincts, not to light any naked flame, switch off mobile phones, engines of vehicles when fuel is being pumped. It is always ensured that there are fire extinguishers handy to be used in the event of any fire incidence.

Taking into cognizance that the company is dealing in highly inflammable products, the stance on the part of the Shareholders and Management to uphold best practice within the context of enhancing safety definitely falls within the purview of promoting customer care.

It has been established by development experts that there is a symbiotic relationship between strict implementation of a country’s Local Content Policy (LCP) and economic development. This had been justified on the basis of avoiding the over dependence on importation of what we use to produce and consume. Besides, sound implementation of this policy provides room for the utilization of local skills and materials in the production chain.

As for the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited strict implementation of the country’s LCP is a top priority which must not be taken lightly.

It is against such a backdrop that the company gives preference to indigenes when it comes to employment. Except on exceptional and rare occasions when it comes to employment. For example, in The Gambia, the Management does not say because the parent company is from Sierra Leone therefore Sierra Leoneans should be given priority. No! If there are Gambians who are qualified they get the jobs.

The company has gained wide respect for this stance because it offers sources of livelihoods to those who were hitherto jobless, thereby empowering them to be gainfully employed to take care of responsibilities.

With the introduction of NP Smart Card, which has gone viral, the Card can be credited with money and the amount of money utilized to buy fuel is debited after every transaction. With the use of NP Smart Card, customers are saved the hassle of having to always move with physical cash in their possession in order to purchase fuel and indeed there are times when one may not have time to rush to the bank to make withdrawals. Customers, who are holders and users of NP Smart Card, are at the vantage position to properly budget, through the amount that is contained in the card to buy fuel, during a considerable period of time, say a week or a month. Indeed, NP Smart Card has become trending.

The company also markets NP Gas which is a cooking device that is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at the company’s Filling Stations across the country. It can be easily refilled with gas, is said to be non-hazardous to the health of individuals and easy to operate. Its performance has been rated high and many are indeed going for it.

Within the realm of churning out its Corporate Social Responsibility, the company recently proved that it is always ready to stand by the side of the Government and People of this country, especially during trying times. This was recently demonstrated when the company donated one billion Leones to the Government as its own token of contribution towards the fight against COVID-19 which the country is grappling with at the moment.

Indisputably, from the foregoing ,it can be firmly asserted that when we count companies that have made solid marks within the business landscape of the West African sub-region there is no way that the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited could not be mentioned as the company is greatly contributing to socio-economic growth wherever it has a presence. And the good news is that the company is doggedly poised to expand its operations.

AYV & Africell Scale Up Thorough Preparations for Housemates Salone 2

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Africa Young Voices (AYV) Empire and Africell Sierra Leone are known as pioneers in various fields and beyond. Every Sierra Leonean is assured of the best in service delivery from these two institutions. According to an investigation conducted by this medium the joint endeavours of these two institutions in the realm of the Reality TV show have now become fixtures that the citizens look up to in spicing their livelihoods.

Housemate Salone Season 2 was recently launched to the general public to the much acclamation of many with so many positive reviews.

On Saturday, 29th August 2020, the Managing Director of AYV, Ambassador Anthony Navo, and the Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi visited the various sites of the proposed show for a thorough progress inspection and assessment finding.

Shadi was particularly interested in making sure that all Corona Virus safety measures are met, so as to have a conducive and healthy friendly environment as befits the present situation with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. The stakeholders also dropped by to meet with the various teams in production and behind the scenes to have a hands-on experience and taste of the work in progress.

The AYV and Africell Sierra Leone Housemates Salone 2 has been the talk of the town attracting a lot of conversation based on the success of the last show. The forthcoming show is set to be even bigger and better.

This year’s Show is offering the mouth-watering star prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le 250M) plus a round trip to Dubai. Indeed, this is an opportunity for any young person, who will emerge as the ultimate winner, to become a millionaire and be financially empowered to forge ahead in life.

Next in line will be an audition which will commence early September this year and will go on until the 21st September 2020. During the audition 40 finalists will be chosen who will then battle for the final 20 through another form of audition. The final 20 competent applicants, who successfully go through the audition, will enter the House on the 14th October 2020.

The Show is slated in such a way that when the Housemates enter the  House on the 14th October 2020 the more votes a particular Housemate secures from viewers, in and out of the country, will determine how long he or she will stay in the House.

It must be noted that the Africell number through which members of the public could vote for their favourite Housemates will be announced in due course. 

Interestingly, during a particular stage of the Show, based on the percentage of votes scored by a particular Housemate will also determine if he or she will be evicted from the House. Evictions will continue until the ultimate winner emerges. But one good thing is that for each day a Housemate resides in the House, he or she is entitled to One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

All the episodes of the Show will be broadcast live, on a 24 hours basis, on AYV Television Channel 34.

Many have intimated this medium that they are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the Show and whenever time permits they will swiftly switch on to AYV TV Channel 34, stay glued in order not to miss out on the fun that the show will definitely exude.

Housemates Salone is all about Youth Empowerment. When the successful Housemates are in the House they will be assigned to perform certain tasks that will shape their characters, they will be availed the opportunity to learn new skills, improve on existing ones. They will also be emotionally tested, afforded the space to find panacea to certain human problems and do a host of other things.

Furthermore, the Housemates will benefit from widespread exposure as the Show will be watched near and far. Talents will be spotted and vistas of opportunities could be opened as some of the Housemates would be earmarked to become Brand Ambassadors, movie artists, models etc.

As the build-up to this interesting Reality TV Show continues to gain momentum many are eagerly awaiting very fun-packed episodes that will generate heated discussions in many circles.

From what this medium has so far gathered it seems as if a very entertaining Reality TV Show is in the offing that will change the lives of the Housemates and take the entertainment industry to a higher level. Don’t wait to be told. Make a date with Housemates Salone Season 2, the Last Standing Couple with the theme, “Quarantine Drama”.

The setting of the stage is underway…don’t miss out❗

Negga Maxx Set To Release New Single ‘Warning’ in September

Suliaman Karim Kamara popularly known as Negga Maxx

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of Sierra Leone’s finest and most wanted songwriters and Hip-Hop, Afro Beat and Dance Hall Artists, Suliaman Karim Kamara, popularly known as Negga Maxx who was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone and representing the DTM Records. He is now poised to release his new single classical song titled ‘Warning’ featuring one of Sierra Leone’s most fine artists, Golden Boy, on Monday 7th September, 2020.

The Song ‘Warning’ is nothing but an international hard-core Hip hop song which some have described as a song that will surely hit the length and breadth of Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole as the song is sending a strong warning to young people to desist from negative things that will destroy them and their future but rather to engage in positive things that will make them contribute to nation building.

The song also advises young girls to be positive and desist from following material things which will not impact their lives but rather will put their lives in danger as young people.

He started his music career in 2012 and because of his perseverance in the music industry, Negga Maxx released his first album titled: “Soft Tough” in 2013 with Game 4 Real guys. This Album was a great success for him as it served as a breakthrough for him in the music industry.

After he released that very album, he has been working tirelessly towards building his music career and in the same year he also released another single called “Dance Hall Thing” with Slim G the Viper which also paved the way for him as it was loved by many Sierra Leoneans in and out of the country. The song went viral and up till now the song is still been played by different Radio and TV stations across the country and beyond.

He has been working tremendously to promote the talents of young Sierra Leonean Artists and has contributed towards the growth of the music industry in the country with the sole aim to rebrand SL Music and give it a new face.

Negga Maxx attended the SLMB school where he attained his National Primary School Examination (NPSE) Certificate and later furthered his studies at the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress at Kissy in Freetown where he sat to the Basic Education Certificate Examination and later went to King Fahad Islamic Senior Secondary School, Wellington were he sat to the West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination in 2010.

Negga Maxx has been really steadfast in pursuing his career and even though he has been faced with a lot of constraints in the entertainment industry he stills continues to pursue his career in music, he is also a Film Director and an actor as well, areas in which he has been doing very well.

Residents of Bonthe Present Three (3) Key District Priorities to Government

By Foday Moriba Conteh

At the Bonthe District Council Hall, Mattru Jong on the 27th August 2020 residents of Bonthe District presented three (3) key district priorities to the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Planning’s nation-wide popularization and decentralization of the Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019-2023).

The key priorities which include, order of priority: Roads, Agriculture and Energy came as a result of a technical session conducted on decentralizing ownership of the plan for effective
implementation and results of the “New Direction” development targets across the country.

Presenting the district priorities, the Paramount Chiefs of Bonthe District aid the people of District had made their views clear on their development priorities and wanted the Government to take serious consideration in prioritizing projects within the highlighted sectors.
The PCs noted that the Bonthe people would continue to support through effective monitoring and coordinating implementation of the the plan in Bonthe District.

His Worship, the Deputy Mayor, Mohamed Robinson stated the importance of the engagement to Bonthe District noting that the engagement demonstrates Government’s commitment in ‘leaving no-one behind’ in the development process of their localities. He thanked the Ministry for coordinating the process and ensured their support and participation in implementing the plan in the district.

On his part, the Bonthe District Council Chairman, Moses Jude Probyn, underscored the importance of the engagement to the District. He said such process demonstrated Government’s commitment to leaving no one behind in the actualization of the New Direction Agenda.

Delivering an overview of the process, the Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Robert Chakanda said the journey to prepare the plan started over a year ago with wide consultations across the 16 districts nationwide. He said the plan drew a lot of direction from the New Direction Agenda of President Bio’s Government which is people-centered.

The Chairman of the Development Committee in Parliament, Hon. Musa Fofanah called for greater participation of the process, which he said was a step in the right direction. Hon. Fofanah said the Bonthe people should take complete ownership of the development aspirations in the district; emphasizing the need for continuity in governance and pledging Parliament’s support to the MTNDP (2019-2023).

In his statement, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rado Swaray appreciated the District for their commitment to supporting the Government. He said  the Government is working hard towards ensuring that effective communication mechanisms are restored all over the country, especially the 30 Million dollars loan for the 2nd phase of the fiber-optic connection, which Bonthe would also benefit from this time.

The Minister of Water Resources, Philip K. Lansana, noted that Government is committed to ensuring that all cities and major towns get water facilities and that 7 district headquarter towns have already been identified for a start to benefit from the project. Mr. Lansana said due to the neglect the District had seen for years, priority has been given to them for the construction of water facilities throughout the district. He said contractors were already
in the Bonthe City to restore water in Bonthe.

The Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Eldred Taylor, in his statement said among other commitments President Bio is fully committed to ensuring that all district headquarter towns are electrified. He said Bonthe District would be among the only districts to have two separate distribution backbone of the rural electrification project. Dr. Taylor noted that other settlements, including the home of President Bio, Tihun, would benefit from the proposed rural electrification project, currently under procurement processes.

Tamba Lamina, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development said the local councils and district authorities are critical in the implementation of the (MTNDP 2019-2023) in Bonthe; noting that it would strengthen governance in the district, which would be crucial to enhancing development in Bonthe. He called on the paramount chiefs and the Bonthe District Council and Bonthe Municipality to be at the centre of service delivery in the District.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai expressed his gratitude to participants present for the engagement; noting that it demonstrated the Government’s commitment to ‘leaving no-one behind’. He said the plan would further empower the people in taking charge of development in the district.

Minister Kai-Kai said the plan reflected President Bio’s New Direction Agenda making sure Development was driven down to the districts. He said the District Development Coordination Committees (DDCC) would be set up to address development issues in the district and effective monitoring and evaluation processes would be followed in the
implementation of several development projects across the country.

The Minister encouraged district stakeholders, especially the Paramount Chiefs of Bonthe District, to continuously monitor and coordinate implementation of the plan in the district.
Other dignitaries in attendance included: The Development Secretary MoPED, Peter Sam-Kpakra, The Resident Minister, South, Mohamed Alie, the Director, National Authorizing Office, Mr. Ambrose James, Members of Bonthe District Parliamentary Caucus, Provincial Secretary, Women’s Leaders, CSO Representatives, Development, Youth Reps,  partners and other District Officers and Representatives.

Low Income Affordable Housing Scheme Offers…  Great Health, Employment & Revenue Benefits

By Amin Kef Sesay

Every rainy season brings up sharply to the fore the issue of the risky, miserable plight of hundreds of thousands of our fellow Sierra Leoneans living on, or just a little above the poverty line, crammed into very unsuitable over-crowded dwellings along the entire coastline of the Freetown and the western area, stretching from as far as Wellington and Calaba town in the east, to Kanikay, Cline town, Susan’s Bay, Government Wharf, King Jimmy, Kroo, Bay, Congo town to as far as Aberdeen and Lumley that are highly prone to flooding.

Clearly, any scheme by Government and Council in partnership with the private sector offers great opportunities for employment of thousands of skilled and unskilled tradesmen and laborers, as it potentially holds opportunity for generation of billions of Leones annually in revenue.

To say the least, access to decent housing should be seen as a fundamental human right that leads to better health and safety from environmental hazards, such as flooding.

From the Government’s point of view, after independence, a pilot low cost housing scheme was established by the Government at Kissy. Looking back, the initiative was a very good one to provide decent housing with appropriate amenities for low cost income earners and if expanded upon would have gone a very long way to address the huge housing crisis that more than half of urban dwellers who do not own their own houses are now faced with that keeps growing daily as more and more people migrate from the provinces into the city in search of greener pastures.

The research by The Calabash shows that the Government needs to prioritize a well- organized, effective low and medium income earners housing scheme. It also shows that many families cannot afford to pay up to Le2.5 million to Le3 million and above per year for a decent two rooms and parlor accommodation and are condemned to living  in many cases in cramped houses where some sleep in the parlor and many in the room.

Clearly, lack of investment in this area year after year, as the only houses now being built are for rent in dollars and geared towards those that have very high incomes or have relatives overseas that can afford to pay rents for them in dollars, pounds or euros. This means that the demand for decent affordable housing far outstrips supply in Freetown and the western area.

Looking back, a Sierra Leone Housing Corporation set up decades ago which should have been the harbinger of a broad scale national housing scheme has woefully failed to take off the ground, leaving the supply of housing purely in the hands of rich individuals.

Given that lack of decent housing is a clear sign of poverty, it is time that focus is paid to the establishment of a national housing scheme, starting with reclaimed lands in the western area being used as collateral to tempt the banks and other local and international other financial institutions looking to invest surplus capital into housing financing.

From available statistics, the justification for Government to provide decent housing for its citizens as a major way of improving on their health and standard of living is as such:

94% of homes have no flush toilets, 66.6% live in 1 or 2 rooms, 43.6% of households live with 5-7 family members, 24% of houses are zinc construction and 13% made of mud, 60% have a pit latrine for a toilet; the remainder has no toilet provision.

30,000 households depend on unsafe drinking water sources.

1 in 5 Freetown residents sleep in a room with 10 or more people

Many slum communities do not have safe playing spaces for children, markets, recreational centers, heath centers, schools, etc.

MMCET Signs MoU with Belvedere for Capacity Building

By Theresa Kef Sesay

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology polytechnic (MMCET) and the Belvedere Sierra Leone Limited on 24th August 2020 for skills development, outcome based trainings, placement, Research and Development services and related services.

The ceremony took place at the Great Hall of the Goderich Campus.

MMCET was represented by the Principal, Dr. Philip John Kanu while Belvedere SL Ltd was represented by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick M. Kormawa both of whom signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions.

Dr. Kanu said he wants his students to learn more practicals than theory so that they can fix machines, construct bridges and houses on graduation, that the MoU came at the right time, that the college would abide by the MoU to the latter underscoring that the college would benefit immensely from it, that he has informed the College Council about it and that the Chairman of the Council is satisfied and would endorse the MoU.

Dr. Patrick M. Kormawa enlightened that his company is also into agriculture and affordable housing for Sierra Leoneans and reiterated the need for students of the college to have a place to do their practicals and internship with the company.

Both parties believe that collaboration and cooperation between themselves will promote more effective use of each of their resources as well as provide each of them with enhanced opportunities.

According to the MoU, the parties intend to cooperate and focus their efforts on cooperation within the area of skilled based training, education and research to advance their mutual interests.

Belvedere SL Ltd is engaged in housing business, stabilized soil block production, consultancy, skills development, education and research and development.

Furthermore, the two parties shall establish channels of communication and cooperation that will promote and advance their respective operations within the institution and its related wings. Also, the two parties shall keep each other informed of potential opportunities and shall share all information that may be relevant to secure additional opportunities for each other.

The two parties shall also facilitate effective utilization of the intellectual capabilities of the Faculty of the First Party (MMCET) providing significant inputs to them in developing suitable teaching/training systems, keeping in mind the needs of the industry, the Second Party.

The students and graduates from the institution could play a key role in technology upon graduation, innovation and competitiveness in an industry that would be of major benefit to the student community to enhance their skills and knowledge. The Second Party will give valuable inputs to the college in teaching/training methodology and suitable customize the curriculum so that students fit into the industrial/world of work.

It must be noted that there is no financial commitment on the part of MMCET and Belvedere SL Ltd to take up any program mentioned in the MoU. If there is any financial consideration it will be dealt with separately. The MoU is valid until it is expressly terminated by either party on mutually agreed terms. Both parties may terminate the MoU within 30 calendar days’ notice in writing and in such event, both parties have to discharge their obligations.

Signing of the MoU by Dr. Philip John Kanu and Dr. Patrick M. Kormawa, climaxed the ceremony that was chaired by the college’s Registrar, Mr. Sheriffu Bangura while the Vice Principal, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh, earlier introduced Dr. Joseph Kormawa.

 

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