Home Blog Page 556

ECSL Launches Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on Proportional Representation System  

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

With the financial and technical support of the European Union and Germany, the ECSL has the 11th May, 2023 launched a comprehensive nation-wide sensitization campaign on the Proportional Representation System (PR System) with the aim to inform and to engage electoral stakeholders on all aspects of the newly-introduced PR system which was recently passed into law and will be utilized for the forthcoming parliamentary and local council elections.

Strategic engagements and town hall meetings are been held simultaneously across the 16 districts of

Sierra Leone. The stakeholders in attendance include political parties, independent candidates, Members of Parliament, representatives of Paramount Chiefs, the media, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including Inter Religious Council, domestic observers coalitions, Student Unions, Bike Riders’ Associations, representatives of Persons Living with Disability (PWDs).

The sensitization workshop for Western Area Urban, was chaired  Zainab Moseray, ECSL Commissioner for Western Region, and graced by the participation of representatives of the two funding agencies: the European Union (EU) and Germany.

In her opening remarks, Commissioner Zainab Moseray stated that, “…the ECSL remains committed in ensuring that electoral stakeholders are sensitized not only on the PR System but in all related electoral processes for the forthcoming general elections’’.

Speaking at the event, the European Union Governance Adviser, Ms. Serena Bertaina, congratulated the ECSL for such a comprehensive and timely engagement which she said “is testimony of the ECSL commitment towards transparency and citizens’ outreach” and underscored that “the EU remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to conduct credible, inclusive and peaceful multi-party elections and achieve sustainable development.’’

Mr. Behrens, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Freetown reiterated the full commitment of the German Government in its support to peaceful, inclusive, participatory elections, facilitated by the ECSL with the eminent support of the local stakeholders and networks.

It is vital to ensure a better understanding of the new electoral process, that, if properly applied, “could promote women’s political inclusion in Sierra Leone and advance gender equality in the political space”

The initiative is implemented by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone with the support of the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) Project which is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

The EPSAO Project supports the ECOWAS Commission in its mandate to address regional peace and security threats through strengthening of capacities in four crucial policy areas including: Peace Support Operations, Conflict Prevention, Security Sector Reform and Governance (SSRG) as well as in Electoral Affairs. The EPSAO Projects seeks to address the root causes and to promote collective action and joint regional strategies by ECOWAS Member States to curb conflict and insecurity, including rebellions, violent extremism, communal violence, the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons, piracy, land-use conflicts, and election-related violence.

U.S. Military & RSLAF Participate in Military-to-Military Exchange

A team of public affairs experts from the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF – HOA) exchanged best practices and procedures with members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) at the Joint Force Command in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Officers and noncommissioned officers from both the U.S. and Sierra Leonean militaries participated in the military-to-military exchange.

The three-day event included discussion on a range of public affairs activities.

“Military to military activities like this information exchange are what robust, long-lasting partnerships are all about,” said SETAF-AF team lead Maj. Brian Andries. “Meeting face to face with (RSLAF) officers to learn about how they go about their work helps us to improve our level of public affairs practice, and we look forward to building on this experience.”

The participants discussed roles and responsibilities of military public affairs offices, as well as how to use modern communication methods.

“I think this engagement has been a very positive one,” said participant Capt. Daniel Mansaray, a Sierra Leonean media officer. “We have learned many things relating to media and public affairs and communication. I have learned a lot from the experiences of the SETAF-AF and CJTF-HOA team.”

The event is part of the U.S. Africa Command’s ongoing military-to-military familiarization program. AFRICOM conducts several such events throughout the year, bringing together U.S. and partner military members to discuss a range of specialties in the profession of arms.

The event was particularly useful for junior-level officers, said. Lt. Gen. Peter Lavahun, chief of defense staff, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

“We want to mold younger officers to communicate effectively especially in regards to the media and what the public’s perception of the military is,” Lavahun said. “So I am very glad that the team from the U.S. is here.”

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) is responsible for achieving U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Campaign Plan objectives while conducting all U.S. Army operations, exercises and security cooperation on the African continent.

 Rokel Bank MD Named Among Africa’s Top 25 Financial Leaders

The Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr Walton Ekundayoh Gilpin, was on the 11th May, 2023 listed among the 25 Top Financial Leaders in Africa for 2023 by the African Leadership Magazine (ALM).

During a courtesy call at the Rokel Commercial Bank Head Office past on the 11th May 2023, Dr Walton Gilpin who emerged 17th on the list of 25 eminent personalities across the continent was presented with a “Certificate of Emergence” by a team from the Magazine’s headquarters based in the UK.

In an official release signed by ALM’s Kingsley Okeke, it was stated that, “the listing is a special recognition for the outstanding contributions of Africa’s topmost finance leaders for providing the leadership and innovative policies and programmes and actions that helped stabilized many challenged national economies in Africa.”

The List of Top 25 African Finance Leaders was unveiled on the 13th of April during the African Finance Leaders Networking Conference held in Washington DC, USA and on the sidelines of the Annual World Bank Group/IMF 2023 Spring Meetings.

The release also revealed that those listed were selected and ranked through a rigorous two-step points-based selection process that included nominations by a pool of global financial experts and writers using hard evidence as well as a voting system to arrive at their final decisions of listing the 25 individuals whose contributions to the continent’s financial industry continues to impact lives.

After receiving the Certificate of Emergence, the Rokel Commercial Bank Managing Director said he was humbled and filled with pride to see a Sierra Leonean like himself being recognized by a credible outfit like the African Leadership Magazine and expressed hope that the recognition would motivate other professionals in the financial sector to work hard and bring more laurels home.

“The successes at Rokel Commercial Bank have not come through me alone. On the back of all these achievements, there is also a dedicated team of bankers across the country, there is a Board with a clear vision, there are supervising entities with a passion for excellence and there are customers that are dependable. I am grateful to God and I feel extremely blessed to be part of a family that has completely changed the story of RCBank…” he said.

The African Leadership Magazine’s list for African Finance Leaders also included political leaders (in charge of financial portfolios) and financial experts in bi-lateral organizations and the private sector.

Some notable names include: the Ethiopian Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, Madagascar Minister of Finance, Rinda Rabarinirinarison, President of African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and Heirs Holding Chairman, Tony O Elumelu.

 

Lands Ministry Conducts Land Raffle Draw for Kekeh and Okada Riders

By Abubakarr Harding

The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning organized a landmark event on Thursday, May 11th, 2023, as it conducted a raffle draw for the allocation of lands to Kekeh and Okada riders. The event, which took place at the Youyi Building car park, Freetown, has been hailed as a significant step towards transparency, fairness, and responsible governance in the lands sector.

Under the leadership of Dr. Turad Senesie, the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, the Ministry has been instrumental in upholding those values, particularly in the allocation of plots of State land for residential purposes.

In an unprecedented move, the latest land raffle draw saw one thousand Sierra Leoneans from the Kekeh and Okada Union emerging as the newest set of landlords, out of over two thousand applicants.

The raffle draw was conducted in the presence of esteemed representatives from the Anti-Corruption Commission, Coordinator of Land for Life, the Press, applicants etc. The event was a testament to the Government’s commitment to inclusivity and accountability.

During the draw, Ibrahim Serry, President of the Kekeh Rider Union, expressed his profound gratitude to God and the President for appointing Dr. Turad Senesie as the Minister of Lands. He shared that owning land in the city was a distant dream due to its high cost and the arduous process involved. However, thanks to Dr. Turad Senesie’s leadership, he can now proudly call himself a landlord.

Despite facing opposition, Serry acknowledged the Minister’s unwavering dedication to the cause and pledged continued prayers for the President and his Minister for the joy they have brought to their hearts.

Umaru Talie Bah, President of the Bike Riders Association, emphasized the importance of the Kekeh and Okada riders in Sierra Leone. With over one thousand five hundred riders, mostly youth, they play a vital role in the daily functioning of the country, he furthered.

Bah stated that if the Bike and Kekeh riders were to collapse, it would be a significant blow to Sierra Leone, as they are the backbone of transportation and even assist politicians during rallies and protests.

He commended the President and his Minister for not only granting them land but also fostering a sense of responsibility among the riders.

Bah noted that obtaining land in the city was an uphill battle for them, as the majority of them hail from the provinces and lacked the financial means to purchase property.

Dr. Turad Senesie, the Minister of Lands and Country Planning, highlighted the Government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens, regardless of their income bracket.

He recognized that Kekeh and Okada riders fall within the lowest income category and stressed the Government’s responsibility to cater for all Sierra Leoneans. The Ministry’s objective is to meet the housing needs of people across different income brackets.

Dr. Senesie explained that the Land Raffle Model was designed to ensure fair, transparent, and equitable distribution of State land.

The Minister clarified that the raffle draw was not an isolated incident revealing how in the past, lands had been allocated to various sectors, including the civil service, security forces, medical professionals, educators, and journalists.

He assured the public that the Ministry would continue to organize raffle draws and allocate land to Sierra Leoneans, enabling even the less privileged citizens to have a roof over their heads.

The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning’s efforts to allocate land through a transparent process have earned accolades from both citizens and the international community.

AfreximBank & Oakwood Green Africa Engage the Press

By Millicent Mannah

AfreximBank and Oakwood Green Africa, have engaged members of the Press on the 1 Billion Dollar investment they are about to invest in the country during a Press Briefing that took place on the 10th May, 2023, at the New Freetown City Council Hall  in Freetown.

Regional Chief Operating Officer Anglophone West Africa of  AfreximBank, Eric MonchuIntong, revealed that they have started working on the transactions to give 1 Billion dollar and how that will increase the country’s GDP as well as the setting up of factories and industries to create employment.

He disclosed that the Bank is a forty Billon Bank that has the capacity to provide finance for trade and to enhance infrastructural development in Sierra Leone and the rest of Africa. According to him, they have been having back to back meetings with companies that are desirous of setting  up factories  in the country.

‘’The Road Show organized by Oakwood Green Africa and Ministry of Trade is one of the initiatives we carry out with Oakwood Green across the continent,’’ he stated.

‘’We take the programmes and facilities of the African Export Import Bank to our clients, potential clients, stakeholders, to educate them, expose what they need to understand, explain the various benefits that are involved along with the facilities, customers satisfaction, to support trade and trade promotion in African countries,’’ he further disclosed.

Eric MonchuIntong disclosed that the aforementioned bank is a thirty year old Bank, created in 1993, continuing that, the Bank was formed by African Member States to solve the evolving issues affecting Africa.

According to him, the Bank was created to promote, facilitate, and finance intra and extra Africa Trade stating how the Bank has proper facilities that they make available to member countries Government owned institutions,  the private sector, commercial Banks, Corporate institutions and SMEs.

‘’Some of these products and services can be quite technical, that is why we partner with entities like Oakwood Green Africa, who understands the requirement of the Bank, and translates and break down the requirements into forms that are easily understood by customers or potential customers,’’ Eric disclosed.

‘’The Bank believes that one of the reasons why intra-African trade is very low is due to lack of access to trade and market information. Many countries in Africa do not even know that there are export opportunities for their products in other African countries,’’ he asserted.

Oakwood Green Africa, CEO, Gabriel Edga said that true happiness is the number of people you impact while you are alive. And how, that is the reason why Oakwood Green Africa was born.

‘’We have a vision to enable greatness across Africa and to enable greatness is a big task, where do you start from, and where does it end. The truth about it is if you look at the problems in Africa, they are enormous, the question is, can they be solved?’’

He noted that they are firm believers that the problems can actually be solved and commended the Bank for providing hope saying that Africa can indeed be great.

‘’Oakwood Green Africa, are a bunch of people who have been blessed to travel across Africa and the world and have the knowledge of finance, business, and investment banking. We feel that with that knowledge that we have was given to us for a reason and to impact other people’s lives,’’ he stated.

‘’Trade has always been something that we think can unite us as one great force.  There is a reason why the African Continental Free Trade Agreement was set up so that we can trade with one another, create industry, factories and transport it to other African countries, ‘’ he said.

Gabriel Edgal maintained that, he was happy that the Special Industrial Zone was set up here and according to him, industries will come up, and that the country can produce things that can be exported to their neighbors.

He continued that they have begun to see that there are natural resources,   that  are not being utilized because of lack of capital, stating how AfreximBank can create the facilities to utilize these natural resources by providing capital.

The CEO said that they must focus on Agriculture, and not only to produce primary products saying through the support of AfreximBank, they can be able to produce secondary products for exportation, and how with that industries and factories  created jobs will be available as well.

Edgal noted that there is a huge population looking for jobs and they are suffering, and how that can change. He said AfreximBank has the capacity and Oakwood Green has the structure saying they are bringing it here for Sierra Leoneans to benefit.

Climaxing the Press Briefing was a question and answer session.

NP-SL Hands Over Newly Refurbished Squash Court to FBC

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their commitment in the rolling out impactful gestures under the portfolio of its Corporate Social Responsibility, NP(SL)Ltd, has on Thursday 12th May, 2023 handed over newly refurbished Squash Facilities to Fourah Bay College Administration mainly geared towards promoting healthy competition amongst students and develop their minds not only in the pursuit of academic excellence but also to fairly compete in the game of squash.

The handing over ceremony was done at the Squash Court Havelock Grounds on Fourah Bay College Campus.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Managing Director of NP-Sierra Leone, Saidu Mansaray, said the handing over of the Squash Court to Fourah Bay College is part of their support towards the promotion of education, health and sport especially the game of Squash in the country, adding that over the past 10 years the company has endeavored to support education, health and sports through the building of schools and construction of squash court in schools.

He stated that the idea of building these Squash Courts in various educational institutions is geared towards proving students and non-students within these communities an alternative to other sport such as football and basketball.

The Managing Director maintained that as a company they are with the strong conviction that combining sport with education can help students to develop self-motivation that will enable them to do things on their own while encouraging unity, diversity and harmony.

He said that the refurbishment and handing over of the facility to Fourah Bay College is to enhance attitudinal change and promote healthy competitions in the game of Squash.

Saidu Mansaray emphasized that sport remains the healthiest social means of recreation and entertainment that youths can continue to explore and experiment amidst transitional challenges to adulthood, adding that inasmuch as education, arts and sport are always at the top in terms of youth development he urged them take advantage of the opportunity in order to develop their minds with education as they continue to engage each other in peace love and unity.

He informed the gathering that NP Sierra Leone on Thursday 27th April, 2023 concluded a one day Inter Secondary School Squash Tournament after which winners were awarded prizes ranging from medals, trophies and scholarships, furthering that next year the tournament will be organized in schools and colleges nationwide.

He stated that NP Sierra Leone’s Corporate Social Responsibility has always been about creating the positive impacts on the lives of Sierra Leoneans in respective of age, gender, religious affiliation etc.

He concluded by calling on them to play their part in the upkeep of the facility.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, Prof. Foday Kelleh Mansaray, expressed appreciation to NP Sierra Leone for the handing over of the newly refurbished Squash Court to his administration.

He said that the college has been making strides towards improving the quality of lives of students and these have been made possible through the support the college has been receiving from its stakeholders and partners including NP-SL.

Prof. Foday Kelleh Mansaray described the facility as a huge asset which the college will use in years to come of which he assured NP-SL that they will make good use of the facility for its intended purpose.

He said that Squash is the world healthiest sport as it gives impressive cardio respiratory workout and urged students, community residents, and staff to play squash and make themselves healthier.

The Vice Chancellor used the opportunity to inform all that apart from the refurbishment of the Squash Court, NP Sierra Leone has promised to establish a fuel station and minimart on the Fourah Bay College campus.

Climaxing the ceremony was the official handing over of the newly refurbished squash court by the Managing Director of NP-Sierra Leone, Saidu Mansaray.

Gento Decongests Bomeh Drainage Ahead of Heavy Rainfalls

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mohamed Gento Kamara, commonly known as Gento, received a rousing welcome on the 11th May, 2023 as he and his entourage stormed the Bomeh (Culvert) dumpsite, close to Ferry Junction, in the East End of Freetown to assess the clearing and cleaning of mainly the drainage that runs through the site and the dump site as a whole.

Residents of the Bomeh Community and other nearby communities were out in their Chinese numbers to express their profound thanks and appreciation to a man whom they now consider as God sent to fix the perennial problem that they have been grappling with over the years –Flooding.

Situated on a low land with one part going towards the sea, the Bomeh Community always experienced flooding during the rainy season as a result of washing away of debris from the mountain top which blocks the drainage that runs through that community passing through other nearby communities and whenever the  water tries to find alternative routes, causing flooding, houses are seriously affected always evident in the destruction of lives and properties as well as dislocating the victims.

The only solace that the victims get after any disaster is handouts of food and non-food relief items by various humanitarian organizations. However, the problem remains unresolved with a repetition of similar disasters during the next rainy season leaving residents in a vicious cycle poverty most times worse off than they were before the disasters strike.

Clearing of the Bomeh drainage and the dumpsite itself , with Gento’s intervention, commenced on the 10th May, 2023. Deploying a task force of able-bodied youth and heavy machinery, including caterpillars, front loaders as well as trucks, Gento gave clear instructions that the work should be thoroughly done in such a manner that will prevent any alarming disaster from occurring in the unforeseeable future. It was an instruction that was carried to the letter to the utmost satisfaction of residents in that part of the country and Gento himself when he inspected the work on the 11th May, 2023.

As the Freetown City Council Mayor in waiting was warmly greeted with a lot of happiness and praise and promises, Mohamed Gento Kamara, in a passionate manner addressed them an address which resonate very well with the wish of many Freetonians.

He told them how his heart goes out to all those affected by the heavy rains in the city during the past two days disclosing how his thoughts and prayers goes to, especially the  most affected people  in slum and other abandoned communities, adding that many lives have been lost and properties.

Gento continued by informing that the good news is that help is on the way as he decided to contest as Mayor for the Freetown City Council  to work with all to finally fix the drainage and water problems in the city hammering home the point that as they all know he is a man of action and not empty words to which there was a spontaneous outburst of thunderous applause from the beneficiaries , some saying that indeed he is a patriot adding that it is only God that will reward him for his good deeds as many expressed the view  that he is indeed fit for purpose.

Gento continued by revealing to the people that he dispatched trucks and equipment from his private company to help with cleaning the debris all across the city- from the dump site at Kissy to Central Freetown adding how such is a work that he had been doing for a long time now and will continue when he is elected as the Mayor of Freetown. To this also there was an euphoric response of , “We want Gento”, “We want Gento”.

“For me, it will always be about helping my people and actualizing the vision to fix Freetown,” he concluded sending the audience into singing songs of praise for what they described as a timely intervention that will give respite to many.

In interviews conducted by this medium at the Bomeh Community what came out from the respondents was that Gento has displayed an innate passion to fix most of the challenges that Freetonians are currently wrestling with.

An elderly man underscored that he is fit to be the next Mayor of Freetown because of his vast experience in the business world, his passion for community development and his vision for a more inclusive Freetown.

A woman who introduced herself as Mariatu Kargbo and a mother of five children narrated the ordeal that she and her family went through in the last rainy season. She said every time it rains heavily there will be no sleep for them as the water entered their house. Mariatu talked about how she and her children have to put up with another relative and were forced to return to the community after the rains because they were not convenient staying with a relative who also has children.

“With Gento’s intervention and from the work I have seen I am highly optimistic that we will not experience the nightmares we went through and I want to extend my thanks and appreciation  to him and all those who contributed in turning around our sorry plight, as for me I am going to cast my vote for Gento on polling day,” she expressed gratitude.

One of the influential youth in the community intimated The Calabash that for someone like Gento who possesses the necessary equipment required to sanitize Freetown , him becoming Mayor will be an added advantage for Freetonians as monies that were allegedly spent on the hiring of such equipment by erstwhile Mayors will be diverted into other development projects.

A Political Scientist averred that Gento’s plans for better healthcare, clean water supply and provision of basic services and amenities coupled with his desire to create an enabling environment for businesses to grow are what Freetonians need.

“His response to a request in constructing a bridge at the Kroo Bay Community and fixing the drainage at Moa Wharf Community amidst his many philanthropic gestures to the poor and needy are moves that could not be forgotten easily,” he concluded adding that somebody of such a pedigree is cut or poised to do greater things.

From the feedback received so far it was clearly manifested that Gento is held in high esteem and their sincere political commitments of casting their votes for him when translated into votes will see him emerge with a landslide victory to become the next FCC Mayor.

Chinese Ambassador Highlights the Need to Promote Mutual Understanding

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In  a Face to Face with China, a Press reception program hosted by Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone held on the 10th May, 2023 at China House in Freetown , H.E. Ambassador Wang Qing, delivered a statement mainly bordering on the bilateral relationship between China and Sierra Leone .

In attendance were the Minister of Trade and Industry-Hon. Edward Hinga Sandy, Chairman of Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society -Soko M. Kai-Samba, President of Sierra Leone China Friendship Association (SilCha)-Onike King, Chairman of Sierra Leone China Foundation-Mohamed Kamara, President of Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA)-Dr. Alfaeus Koroma and a cross section of journalists from various Media Houses

H.E. Ambassador Wang Qing expressed his pleasure to meet with all those in attendance saying it is a good opportunity for all to renew the friendship and exchange views on issues of common interest, thanking all for their continued efforts in promoting China-Sierra Leone friendship.

He intimated that since the beginning of this year there have been three major events in China mentioning the “two sessions”  held in March referencing the National People Congress (NPC), and the session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) which he informed is  the consultative body.

According to him at the NPC session,the new state leaders were elected saying H.E. Xi Jinping was unanimously reelected President of the People’s Republic of China, reflecting the common will of the Chinese people.

The Ambassador further disclosed that the Chinese economy is expected to expand by 5.2% this year and to contribute 34.9% to global growth adding how it is believed that the vibrant Chinese economy will inject more vitality into the world economic recovery.

He said secondly, China has adjusted its policies on the prevention and control of the epidemic, injecting new energy into China and bringing new opportunities to the world.

“As a result, people’s life has returned to normal at an accelerated pace, and the economic vitality and development potential have been fully released, injecting more confidence and strength to drive the world economic recovery” the Ambassador stated.

He said thirdly, China’s diplomacy has pressed the ‘accelerator button, making new contributions to world peace and development highlighting the visit to China of high profiled international personalities.

The Ambassador told the audience that China has also released the Concept Paper on Global Security Initiative, the document on China’s position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and the document on China’s position on Afghanistan, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

He dilated on how China’s position on the Ukraine issue is understood by more and more countries saying  people have realized that China does not inflame or take advantage of the situation but rather has taken an impartial stance and pushed for peace talks in order to reduce the pressure and lower the temperature around the crisis.

He maintained that China and Sierra Leone are good friends, good brothers and good partners adding that after 52 years of development since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Sierra Leone relations have reached a historical high point and become a model of China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.

“The healthy development of China-Sierra Leone relations cannot be achieved without the support of the people of both countries,” the Ambassador noted adding how for a long time, Sierra Leone-China Friendship Society, Sierra Leone China Friendship Association, Sierra Leone China Foundation, Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association and the media have made important contributions to maintaining the traditional friendship between China and Sierra Leone, enhancing mutual understanding and promoting cooperation between the two sides.

He acknowledged that the Sierra Leone China Friendship Association, under the impetus of Ms Maria Kargbo, has always been promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries.

According to him, the program, “Small Small Chinese” has been well received by the public disclosing how the Sierra Leone China Foundation has been organizing events to spread the message of  friendship among the grassroots level across different parts of Sierra Leone.

He said in order to further enhance mutual understanding and deepen friendship and cooperation between the two countries, he would like to make the following suggestions: The need to hold their original mission and commit themselves to the friendship between China and Sierra Leone.

Secondly, Ambassador Wang Qing talked about the need to promote mutual understanding and show the people of Sierra Leone an objective and real China. He said since his arrival, he has found that the general public in Sierra Leone is very interested in China and wants to know more about it but however, due to limited ways, their perception of China is often influenced by some Western media’s inaccurate reports on China.

Thirdly, the need to make full use of  their advantages to tell the successful story of China-Sierra Leone friendship and cooperation.

The Ambassador concluded by maintaining that  China-Sierra Leone friendship is a precious treasure that has been tested by years and needs to be cherished together enjoining all to work together to add more and more bricks to the building of  the friendship and be the guardian of it forever.

Other speakers in their statements made salient contributions as to how to strengthen the bilateral relationship with a question and answer session forming the highpoint of the engagement.

Karpowership Cushions Frequent Power Outage in Freetown

Recent and persistent power outages in Freetown  has left tongues wagging because of  the negative ways  it is affecting individuals, entities as well as businesses causing a lot of frustration. However, this medium learnt that the two major sources of electricity supply to Freetown are currently facing technical challenges.

The CLSG line to Freetown is said to be faulty and Bumbuna hydroelectric power station is at the moment undergoing annual routine maintenance. Under normal circumstances, CLSG supplies 27 Megawatts of electricity to Bo, Kenema, Kono and Octea Mining Company in Kono. Bumbuna, on the other hand, under normal circumstances (especially between July and November) supplies 50 Megawatts of electricity to Makeni, Magburaka and Freetown. Karpowership supplies a contractual 65 Megawatts of electricity to Freetown alone.

In 2018, the national grid capacity was 45 Megawatts but  was increased to 80 Megawatts and Freetown, because of its expanding population, now requires at least 120 Megawatts of reliable electricity.

As the situation now stands, Freetown depends largely on Karpowership for the supply of electricity as it is only Karpowership that is currently supplying 65 Megawatts of electricity on a daily basis.

With EDSA now coming out of its usual deafening silence on situations like this which most times leaves room for more speculation and doubts over Government’s competence in handling the energy sector, the institution has assured  that by Monday, 15th May, 2023 electricity supply to Freetown would have stabilized especially with the completion of maintenance work at Bumbuna and CLSG.

Kenema District Council Acts Tough against Jagaban for Illegal Demolition

Kenema District Council Chief Administrator, Ahmed Shekuba Koroma, has furiously reacted to what he referred to as the illegal demolition of the community centre in Blama by a politician popularly known as Jagaban.  The Chief Administrator vented his anger during an engagement with the Paramount Chief and other stakeholders of Small Bo Chiefdom.

He informed stakeholders of Blama town that the Council, with support from central Government has always been responsive to the service delivery demands of the people of small Bo Chiefdom in Kenema district.

According to him, Council is in receipt of a video circulating on social media of an attempt by one Jagaban to demolish and reconstruct the community centre in Blama town without the prior notice and consent of  the Kenema District Council administration.

He maintained that Council is not averse to anyone expressing interest in complementing its effort in terms of service delivery but said that must be done within the ambit of the law.

The Chief Administrator highlighted some of the strategic development interventions of Government in small Bo Chiefdom ranging from the maintenance of 93.2 km road, construction of 32 culverts,7 bridges, rehabilitation of six schools, construction of recreational Centre, modern market with WASH facilities and funeral home at Bandama .

He further informed P.C Darfie Benya and stakeholders that the Small Bo Chiefdom has through council benefitted immensely from the central Government because of the good collaboration between the stakeholders of Small Bo Chiefdom and Council.

Ahmed Shekuba Koroma reminded P.C Darfie Benya of the construction of a makeshift bridge linking St. Joseph Secondary school and central town that had claimed the lives of many especially school going kids.

He  maintained that after regular engagement with the former Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, by the leadership of Kenema District Council and Hon. Musa Moigua, the Government provided funds for the construction of a bridge and two strategic twin culverts at the central of Blama town.

C.A Ahmed Shekuba Koroma reminded P.C Benya of the several engagements council and stakeholders of Blama have had regarding the reconstruction of the facility to which council is at an advanced stage to commence the tendering process in respect of same.

Ahmed Shekuba Koroma pointed out that the illegal attempt by Jagaban to demolish council’s facilities without prior notice or approval to do same is in breach of Sections 23 and 24 of the Local Government Act 2022 and urged Jagaban to liase with Council in a bid to review the structural design and bills of quantities for quality assurance.

He appealed to P.C Darfie Benya and other land owing families to commence the identification of land for the construction of Council’s administrative building and staff quarters in Blama town.

The Paramount Chief of Small Bo Chiefdom P.C Darfie Benya confirmed that attempts have been made by one Jagaban to reconstruct the community centre in question but assured the Chief Administrator that effective immediately, work  on the community centre will  be put on hold to ascertain the architectural design and quality of work.

P.C. Darfie Benya described the approach as laudable that will promote the local economy of the Chiefdom and create more jobs for the youths.

1...555556557...1,366Page 556 of 1,366