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EU provides €80,000 in Humanitarian Assistance To Flood Victims in Sierra Leone

According to report from the Directorate for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, on 20th August 2019, in response to the floods in Freetown earlier this month, the European Union is providing €80,000 in humanitarian funding to assist those most affected.

This EU funding will support the Red Cross in delivering much needed relief assistance, including water, sanitation and health, psychosocial support, and health promotion activities. The humanitarian aid will directly benefit 1,800 people (300 households), who had their homes destroyed in the flooding.

The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone has experienced persistent torrential rains since late May. The resulting floods damaged houses, road networks and destroyed the livelihoods of approximately 896 households (5,381 people).

Outgoing IMF Boss Says Sierra Leone Has Hope

Outgoing Resident Representative for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Dr. Iyabo Masha and President Dr. Julius Maada Bio

By Our Correspondent – 20 August 2019

“Sierra Leone has come a very long way; life expectancy has increased greatly and by the time the next Human Development Index is undertaken, there will be very strong outcomes by what I have seen in education. I have had the honour to work with a very strong team here that reflects gender balance. I believe in within a very few years to come we will see a truly transformed country.”

These were the words of the outgoing Resident Representative for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Dr. Iyabo Masha, who on Monday 19 August, 2019 called at State House to bid farewell to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio as a symbolic gesture to end her tenure in Sierra Leone.

Presenting the outgoing IMF Chief to President Bio, Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, recalled that Madam Masha started operations in the country at a very critical time when there were challenges with the Ebola virus, the drastic collapse in the price of the iron ore and at a time when investors were running out of the country.

He said during those years the IMF boss was in the middle of efforts to advise the Government to bring back investors’ confidence. He said that with her support, Sierra Leone was able to re-launch the extended credit facility programme with the IMF, adding that apart from the amount that was approved, the re-launch of the programme was a door-opener for several other donor assistance and the beginning of a relationship with the World Bank.

In her presentation, Dr. Iyabo Masha said she was fortunate to work with two Governments in Sierra Leone and during those periods they ensured that they were reminded of some of the things the Government made policy to implement.

She added that during those periods she had come to appreciate some of the challenges countries in Africa face and how small changes in policy direction could make the difference. She also commended the President for providing his staff with the opportunity to be able to show that indeed good policies could make the difference.

“I appreciate the fact that even though there has been a change in political leadership, your Government has decided to retain most of the counterparts who have been doing a great job and that is one of the reasons we have been able to get results. There are some challenges but the policy package here is very good and all we have to do is to ensure that we are reminded of some of the things the Government made policy to implement,” she noted.

In his brief response, President Bio said Sierra Leone would always remember the contributions of Madam Masha in stabilizing and helping the growth of the country. He said she had been keenly interested in the destination Sierra Leone is moving and commended her for the good work in the country.

As Minister Yokie Braces for Any Legal Action: Sierra Leone SL Mining Operations ‘Deceitful’

By Amin Kef Sesay – 20 August 2019

Government of Sierra Leone is currently lambasting SL Mining for its unethical and deceitful manner in which it is operating in the country as an investment company. It has further accused the company for craftily attempting to bend the rules, in adhering to certain terms as encapsulated in the contract agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone.

It must be noted that when President Julius Maada Bio was campaigning to be elected as President of Sierra Leone he passionately promised to attract genuine and legitimate investors and to negotiate fair and better deals that will enhance the country’s development. Indeed, we have seen a clear commitment on the part of the President and other officials to see that materialize.

He also constantly emphasized on a win-win situation for both the people and the investors who would be investing in the country.

However the recent stand-off for want of a better expression, chicanery, by Sierra Leone Mining and the robust position of the Government of Sierra Leone is another demonstration of the Bio-led administration’s commitment to sanitise our mining sector, bring benefits to the people and resist fleecing and extortion by some so called investors.

 Performance Bond

According to the Mining Lease Agreement of 2017, between the GoSL and SL Mining, the latter was to pay $1,000,000 (one million dollars) as performance bond to the former. It is a shock for any reasonable person now to hear that the company is denying knowledge of any such arrangement when there are documents to the effect.

Fact on Arms’ Length Sales and Advanced Pricing

Arms-length sales terms is a clause in the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009 that gives powers to Government to know tonnage (quantum) of export, destination; buyer and price of minerals being shipped from Sierra Leone (advanced pricing).

This allows Government to do proper calculation of royalties and other financial obligations by any company in order to determine what financial inflows go to the GoSL from the sale of its precious minerals.

In the recent past, Government has activated this clause in dealing with SL Mining in order to maximise its benefits from the shipments made so far in June and July, the company has recoiled and refused to cooperate.

False Declarations by SL Mining

SL Mining after realising that Government is insistent on going strictly by the terms of their contract and the MMA of 2009, embarked on false declaration and deceit. It has given fictitious figures as prices of iron ore, and made false declarations to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources about the destination of the ore shipped in June and July this year.

At a time when the world market price of iron ore was going for $123 per tonne, SL Mining had the effrontery to tell GoSL that it sold its Marampa blue ore at $78 per tonne. But that was not the end of the deceit game of SLM. When pushed by GoSL as to who they sold the ore to, they mentioned a subsidiary company of theirs, which in turn sold to a third party company in China at the world market price.

This in effect means they got the ore and sold to themselves at a cheaper price than the world market price, declared the undervalued sales to Government, and then made 100% profit by selling to the third party.

By their own calculations, GoSL was only going to receive about $330,000 (three hundred and thirty thousand dollars) from the Marampa Blue ore shipments of June and July. Government kicked against the entire paltry payment they wanted to make to it, and instead gave them calculations based on existing world market price at the time, which could have fetched them (SL Mining) about $22M with Government getting at least $630,000 (six hundred and thirty thousand dollars). They rejected it and have now gone on a campaign of calumny against the Government of Sierra Leone.

No Right to Assets

According to Sierra Leone Mining’s contract of 2017, the company was only given mineral rights at Marampa, but never given rights to the assets they met on ground, which were owned by Timis Corporation, its predecessor company that was owned by Frank Timis but went into liquidation. SL Mining was to enter into a phased payment plan for the mines assets, according to Section 54 of the MMA of 2009, but reneged on this clause. The mines assets had been valued by GoSL at $16M (sixteen million dollars) and SLM was to enter a payment plan of the said sum, but refused to.

Taxes and other Dues

According to calculations done, SL Mining owes the Government an estimated $2.9M (two million nine hundred thousand dollars) from taxes and other duties, since they started operations in 2017.

In the midst of all of these breaches and violations of the laws of the land and their contract, Government has asked for a meeting with SL Mining by September 30, for a review or renegotiation of their contract. They have refused that offer and instead taken a confrontational posture against Government using blackmail and threat of legal action.

Against this background, the new Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Foday Rado Yokie and the National Minerals Agency have informed the general public that SL Mining is bent on evading payment of millions of dollars in royalties and taxes to the country which is causing great loss to the Government.

In this regard, both the Minister and NMA are currently at loggerheads with the SL Mining Company; following what the Government refers to as the company’s refusal to answer questions about the value of its iron ore production and non-payment of royalties and taxes.

Whilst many Sierra Leoneans commend the Government for finally getting round to the business of extracting maximum benefit from the mining sector for development purposes, SL Mining Company maintains that Minister Yokie’s action is illegal and contravenes the contract that the company signed with GoSL. Minister Yokie, however, says he is ready to respond to any legal action that SL Mining contemplates.

The company has a license from the Sierra Leone Government to mine high grade iron ore in Marampa Chiefdom. Quite recently, Hon. Foday Rado Yokie, who served in the House of Parliament for two terms and was a member of the Mines and Minerals Committee, informed the Press that he is determined to ensure that under the New Direction dispensation, the country reaps maximum financial benefits from its most valuable mineral resources. He furthered how they have decided to scrutinize SL Mining’s contract with regards compliance with its terms and conditions.

SL Mining Company has been at pains to contest Minister Rado Yokie’s official demand that the company provides its latest financial statement, and that as per the agreement reached with the Government in 2017, it makes good on the part payment it agreed to do in resuming its operations which was suspended in 2015.

Minister Rado Yokie’s probe of SL Mining and Shandong Mining that took over African Minerals Limited’s Ferengbeya mines, is in line with the Government of President Julius Maada Bio’s warning to mining companies not to expect business as usual, wherein due diligence, accountability and fiduciary responsibility are sacrificed by those in power for contract kickbacks.

This Press, since the brouhaha among the Hon. Minister of Mines, NMA and SL Mining has done background investigation into the matter. These are the facts that emerged:

SL Mining Company acquired the license that was held by Timis Mining illegally with the connivance of certain highly placed members of the former APC Government who, the investigation clearly showed, have shares in SL Mining Company.

Residents of Lunsar, where SL Mining Company’s mine is located, told this Press that the Company is in utter violation of both its Corporate Social Responsibility to the community, as well as disrespectful of the country’s Local Content Policy in terms of employment.

In this regard, Minister Yokie had earlier given the example of Sierra Rutile, which he said was in contravention of the LCP, as it employs South Africans as drivers and for other jobs for which there are available qualified Sierra Leoneans.

Meanwhile, the Mines Ministry and NMA are assiduously reviewing all mining contracts in the country to ensure they are fit for purpose and yield the highest returns and benefit for the people of Sierra Leone.

Investigations continues…

Sierra Leone Human Rights Commissioners Engage UN Delegation

UN reps and MOYA staff with a cross section of SLHRC executive members

By Elkas Sannoh – 20 August 2019

Chairperson of Sierra Leone’s Human Rights Commission (SLHRC), Madam Patricia Naasu Ndanema, has commended the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the United Nations New York delegation on their joint assessment mission about young people in conflict with the law. She was speaking in her office on Tower Hill in Freetown after receiving the delegation.

The team comprised the Head of Planning and Operations based in Mali – Obianuju Nwobi; Simonetta Rossi -Peace and Development Advisor, Elkass Sannoh-Director of Communications and Millicent Kargbo-Communications Officer from the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

Explaining the Commission’s mandate, Madam Ndanema said the Commission was established by an Act of Parliament in 2004 to promote and protect human rights issues in the country, adding that to reinforce their work they recently visited seven Correctional Centers to assess the status of inmates.

She said during their tour, they were able to facilitate the release of one of the longest serving inmates who had served for twelve years without any trial.

She recommended that education should be a priority for all Sierra Leoneans, stressing further that, lack of education has lured a lot of young people into anti-social behaviour. She observed that the law is also posing a huge challenge. She therefore recommended drastic reforms of our laws whilst citing the recent detention of twenty two pupils in Kenema for loitering. She said those pupils who were detained were preparing for their West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

One of the Commissioners, Lawyer Victor Lansana, admitted that the laws are unorthodox which is why there is always need to reform those laws to match up with contemporary issues. He said one of the missing links is innovation as well as capacity building to be able to meaningfully reintegrate those inmates into society.

“If I am to recommend, I urge that we revive civic education to preach nationalism and highlight the responsibilities of every citizen,” said Commissioner Lansana. He said there is need to overhaul the educational system in the country “if we are to succeed in reviving our civic education.”

Elkass Sannoh, Director of Communications pointed out that years of neglect, abuse and insensitivity to the needs of young people in the past have pushed young people to the brink and put them at risk with little or no real opportunities left for them to explore.

Sannoh said the public is conniving with some inmates to sell illegal products that are inimical to state security and the well-being of the inmates.

In her statement, Simonetta Rossi, said the key objective of the joint assessment will be to develop a broadly-shared understanding in line with the patterns of recruitment and mobilization of young people into cliques and gangs in rural and urban areas. She stated that they intend to identify some elements that could contribute to empower youth at risk to become a productive force at the community level in order to facilitate the long-term development goal of the country.

Asking the Commission’s role in building a resilient community, Head of Planning and Operations- Obianuju Nwobi; said the local stakeholders and government institutions should play a leading role in transforming the youths to deviate them from violence of all forms. She said young people are key in all developments undertaken by the government.

National Youth Commission Communications Officer, Millicent Kargbo, disclosed that the Ministry of Youth Affairs is currently reviewing the National Youth Policy to be able to address contemporary youth problems. She described the review as timely.

LAB Sierra Leone Warns Its Own Officers in Freetown

By Joseph Dumbuya – 20 August 2019

The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles has emphasized the Board’s zero tolerance policy on corruption at a meeting with volunteers of three satellite offices – the Community Advisory Bureaus – from Lumley, Kamayama and Kaningo in Constituency 132 in the West End of Freetown.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said she is concerned about information coming from one of the bureaus which borders on impropriety and indiscipline. She seized the opportunity to send a loud and clear message that the Board will not compromise with any LAB volunteer found wanting in the performance of their duties.

She urged the volunteers to be prepared to make sacrifices to build peace in their communities by making justice accessible to its inhabitants. “We have always maintained from the outset that the work you are doing requires sacrifice because you do not receive any stipend at the end of the month,” she said. “Those who are not ready to make sacrifice should do us a favour and leave otherwise we force them out,” she added.

Ms. Carlton-Hanciles also told the volunteers that she is aware of the great job they are doing in their communities despite the challenges they face. “Things are difficult for now but whenever we have the resources we will support you,” she said.

The Community Advisory Bureau is an initiative of the Board aimed at empowering local communities to take ownership of their justice needs through referrals, Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation, community outreach on the law and how the justice system works and the provision of advice and legal assistance to members of the community accessing both the formal and informal justice system.

As she meets with Minister of Tourism… Amie Kallon to Promote the Creative Industry in Sierra Leone

Minister Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt and Madam Amie Kallon

By Amin Kef Sesay – 20 August 2019

Madam Amie Kallon, one of the Eastern Region legends in cultural songs and dance has on the 19th August, 2019 paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs at her King Harman Road office in Freetown to discuss the way forward towards promoting the creative industry in not only Kenema District but also the Eastern Region as a whole.

Flanked by her team, Madam Kallon, Proprietor of a group called Siabehuna Cultural Group said she has got a piece of land in Kenema where she trains young talented cultural singers and dancers as well as for art and craft works in the form of skills training.

“I’m kindly seeking support from Government to boost my institution. I’m taking this venture to address past mistakes done by other talented singers like the late Salia Koroma, Isata Nyambay, Jebbeh Two and others who died with their talents and without leaving any recognised replacement as a legacy.” She further revealed that she has released an uncountable number of albums on culture since she started her career in 1961.

Mr. Abu Kallon, her Personal Assistant, called on Government to consider the provinces when nominating artists for international outings on culture and heritage promotion. This is because, according Mr. Abu Kallon, their group has never been given such an opportunity.

The Minister Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt appreciated the effort of Madam Amie Kallon and her team and promised of her intention to forward their message to President Bio since the move, according to her, is geared towards Youth Empowerment and Heritage Promotion for sustainable tourism growth and development in Sierra Leone.

Nabeela Tunis Flies Sierra Leone Flag High in Morocco

Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, and his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Nabeela Tunis

By Our Correspondent – 20 August 2019

Morocco has renewed its support to Sierra Leone’s efforts to boost its economic and human development.

This came at a meeting on Monday in Rabat between the two countries’ Foreign Ministers, Nasser Bourita and Nabeela Tunis, who discussed means of strengthening bilateral cooperation and increasing Morocco’s contribution to the development efforts led by Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leonean official commended Morocco’s efforts to consolidate South-South partnership and inter-African cooperation as engines for peace, stability and prosperity in Africa, a joint statement released following the talks said.

She reiterated the importance that her country attaches to her good relations with Morocco and Freetown’s commitment to explore new areas of cooperation and economic partnership with the Kingdom.

The two parties also welcomed the convergence of views and the high level of coordination at the continental and international levels, mainly at the African Union and the United Nations.

Nasser Bourita praised Freetown’s leadership in promoting Africa’s common position regarding the UN Security Council reform.

Regarding the Sahara issue, Nabeela Tunis reaffirmed her country’s “constant support” to the territorial integrity of Morocco and backing to the autonomy plan for the Sahara, the joint statement said.

She hailed, in this connection, “Morocco’s efforts, through the autonomy plan, to reach a political and peaceful solution to the Sahara issue”.

Nabeela Tunis also voiced Sierra Leone’s “strong support” for the role of the UN as an “exclusive forum” for the settlement process of the Sahara conflict, added the joint statement.

Sierra Leone Former Mayor, Herbert George-Williams In Police Net

Former Mayor of Freetown, Herbert George Williams

By Brima Sannoh – 20 August 2019

The Head of CID, Gabriel Tommy, has confirmed on one of the country’s local radio stations, the arrest in Freetown of another opposition APC strongman – the former Mayor of Freetown, who is also the Acting Chairman of the APC Western Area Committee – Herbert George Williams.

His arrest by the Sierra Leone Police brings the total number of opposition APC politicians now arrested to 24.

Last week, one of those arrested and placed behind bars at Pademba Road Prison – Victor Doherty Remoe, was granted bail and is expected to appear in court this week, along with the other 23 APC detainees.

Former Mayor Hebert George Williams arrest, according to the CID Boss, is related to the violence which took place at Hamilton in the far West of Freetown last month, during a political rally held by the opposition APC, where the ruling SLPP party by-election candidate Josephine Jackson accused APC supporters of destroying her property.

Parliamentary by-election in Hamilton Constituency 110 will take place on Saturday 24 August 2019.

The opposition APC are accusing the ruling SLPP of staging the riot in Hamilton so as to discredit their party and have its members arrested on trumped-up charges of violent conduct.

The opposition APC Chairman of the Western Area Rural District Council – Kasho Holland Cole, who is also among the 24 detainees, has been granted bail but will appear in court on Thursday, 22 August 2019, along with the other 22 APC detainees.

In another related development, it is reported that the chambers of Magistrate Hannah Bonnie were broken into and “thoroughly” ransacked apparently over the weekend, according to Sierra Leone’s Director of Public Prosecution, Easmon Ngakui.

What has surprised many is that her offices are located next door to the country’s maximum security prison on Pademba Road. The Magistrate, who is currently presiding over the trial of 23 opposition members and supporters for public order offenses allegedly committed at Hamilton, just outside Freetown, revealed how she had been receiving death threats. All accused persons were denied bail twice when they appeared before Magistrate Hannah Bonnie.

Sierra Leone CSOs Urge Government to Address SGBV

By Mohamed Fadlu Bah – 20 August 2019

On the 16 August 2019 at the Palm Beach hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown the Defence For Children International Sierra Leone, Equality Now, CWS-SL, WAVES, Women’s Partnership for Justice and Peace and other organisations urged the Government of President Julius Maada Bio to demonstrate political will to address sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) cases in Koinadugu and Falaba districts and Sierra Leone as a whole.

Hannah Yambasu of the Women against Violence and Exploitation in Society in reading a Press Statement said they wish to draw the attention of the Government on the ongoing increase in gross human rights violations that are being meted against girls in Koinadugu and Falaba districts; and that girls are being subjected to rape, resulting to teenage pregnancies and early forced marriage.

Yambasu continued that they recognise the Government’s declaration of rape as a national emergency in February this year but said that the time has come for the Government to act on its obligations to prevent, protect and punish offenders of sexual and gender based violence in Koinadugu and Falaba districts and the country as a whole and further urged Government to take its place in leading community-based interventions that protect girls from these atrocities; uphold their rights; and hold perpetrators to account.

The Press Statement, also urged the First Lady Madam Fatima Bio, to cascade the Hands off our Girls Campaign to these districts and chiefdoms so as to reach and empower vulnerable girls at the grassroots level and also called on the President to ensure that the special division for rape and sexual penetration of minors be urgently created by the Sierra Leone Police, and take steps in setting up a witness protection agency to ensure that survivors of these violations are protected from perpetrators.

Moses S. Mambu the Director of CWS-SL said that according to the statistics they are receiving close to 40 percent of girls are being violated within Koinadugu and Falaba and that they have noticed that there has been an increase in rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence and early marriage in these two districts and in the Western Area that is affecting women and girls.

The Executive Director of Defence for Children International Sierra Leone, Abdul Manaff Kemokai ,commended the Government for taking the bold step in expressing commitment to end sexual violence but emphasised that there should be consistency in ensuring that every perpetrator is brought to book and continued that victims’ protection is key underscoring that crimes are most times done within the communities of the perpetrators, the victims and the witnesses.

The Coordinator for Girl 2 Girl Empowerment Movement, Aminata Koroma, said information collected from the Rainbow Centre states that since January to July there were over 1,966 registered victims of rape and sexual violence of which the Western Area has 47 percent and second is the North where Falaba is located. She stated that 67 percent of the victims are below the age of 17 years and that they don’t know how many of these victims are pregnant which will lead to many of the victims dropping out of school.

Among other speakers was Gladys G. Gbappy-Boima of Women’s Partnership for Justice and Peace who also emphasised that there is need for Government to demonstrate political will to address sexual and gender based violence in Koinadugu and Falaba districts and Sierra Leone as a whole.

As Hadissa commended for quality job… Sierra Leone VP Juldeh Jalloh Commissions Solar-powered Boreholes in Kono

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh amd Alhaji Issa Sallieu Barrie, Chief Executive Officer, Hadissa SL Limited

By Alim Jalloh – 20 August 2019

Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Saturday 17th August 2019, at Koidu City Kono District commissioned Solar-powered Boreholes and Civil Works that were constructed by Hadissa SL Limited.

Chairman of the event, Tamba Raymond Gbetuwa, who doubles as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources said the Ministry is very committed to go along with the New Direction Manifesto, in which water is a priority. He stated that they have currently embarked on various projects with water agencies like SALWACO and Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC).

He further stated that Kono District will get 10 Solar-powered Boreholes out of the 100 Solar-powered Boreholes that are nearing completion stages with Hadissa SL and that so far, ‘we at the Ministry are  pleased with  the work of the contractors, because we have been monitoring and supervising the work since the day the contract was awarded.’

Fallah K. Tengbeh, Senior Project Manager, Ministry of Water Resources ,said the 100 Solar-powered Boreholes and Civil Works are environmentally-friendly and they are the fastest and cheapest means of providing safe water, and  used all over Africa. He stated that each of the Boreholes will serve over two thousand people and that is why the allocation was done based on needs assessment in those communities and that it will serve for decades if the communities handle them with care.

Alhaji Issa Sallieu Barrie, Chief Executive Officer, Hadissa SL Limited thanked President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and the entire Government for restoring confidence to local contractors. He continued to say that the company is 100% Sierra Leonean with about 1000 Sierra Leoneans employed and ‘that is why we also try not to let our people down because working on this project is just like we are working for ourselves because this is our country and I am an indigene of Kono District and we are very passionate to be part of development and we know how water has been a problem for our women and children in the country.’

Sallieu Barrie further stated that Hadissa is committed to doing quality work and timely delivery is a key priority to us. “We are a company that also works on Civil Engineering Construction.”

The 100 Solar-powered Boreholes and Civil Works will go a long way to ease the water crisis nationwide  because the 100 Boreholes will produce 1500 water catchment points for communities, and each Solar Borehole will supply 15 stand posts (taps) at a distance of 60 to 65 meters.

Giving his statement, Vice President VP Jalloh said the Commissioning of the Hadissa constructed Solar-powered Boreholes is just to register Government’s commitment to the people of Kono and to the nation on how serious and committed the New Direction is to foster development in this nation.

“During one of my visits to Kono the market women asked the Government to help them with clean pipe-borne water and today we have just fulfilled that. Government will bring more things to the people of Kono,” he said.

He thanked the Ministry of Water Resources, the Mayor of New Sembehun Council, the contractor, and the executive of the market women and stakeholders who advocated for the water and for their cooperation towards the successful completion of the project.

He admonished the communities to take very good care of this water facility and take the project as their own.

The Vice President also launched the fund raising for the construction of a USD50 million ECOWAS funded Kono District University of Science and Technology project. He told his audience that this is the start of many developmental projects undertaken by the Government of President Bio in order to transform this nation.

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