By Theresa Kef Sesay
Various financial and trade agreements, which are aimed at developing and improving the socio-economic state of Sierra Leone, were unanimously approved by Members of Parliament of on the 15th June 2021.
The following agreements were ratified by Parliament:
- Amendment to the Financing Agreement Between the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Republic of Sierra Leone in respect of the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project.
- Letter of Agreement- Transition Support Facility (TFS) Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining through Climate Smart Actions Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the African Development Fund.
- Supplemental Agreement to the Loan Agreement signed on 12/05/1433H (04/04/2012G) Between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) Concerning the Construction of Pendembu-Kailahun Road Project in the amount of US$10,000,000
- Financing Agreement on the Freetown Wash and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank Comprising the following :
(a) Agency Agreement (Instalment Financing) Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank-Freetown Wash and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project in an amount of US$40.0 Million and
(b) Framework Agreement (Instalment Sale Financing) Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank – Freetown Wash and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project in an amount of US$40.0 Million and,
- Loan Agreement-Mattru Jong Road Project – Lot 1: Kpetema-Mattru Jong Between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) in an amount of US$25,000,000
Presenting the motion, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Patricia Laverley underscored the importance of the various agreements. She highlighted the various components of the projects including productivity and job creation for women and physically challenged persons, and support to artisanal mining. The Deputy Minister also spoke about road construction and other forms of infrastructural development to enhance the transportation of goods and services, as well as provision of safe drinking water to Freetown and its environs.
The Chairman Finance Committee, Hon. Francis Amara Kaisamba said the benefits of the agreements were very relevant, especially for women, the disabled, transport facilitation and improvement of the mining sector. He called on colleague MPs to speedily ratify the agreements which he described as “non-controversial”.
Hon. Josephine Makieu expressed happiness over the agreements and went on to relate the projects to President Bio’s New Direction Manifesto. She highlighted the benefits of the agreements in light of promoting international trade between Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries including ease of transportation.
Hon. Lahai Marrah, Chairman Water Resources said the Freetown Wash and Aquatic agreement was a very good agreement. He informed that, water supply is in high demand and needs to be addressed urgently. The MP used the opportunity to vehemently request for the immediate intervention of relevant authorities to curb the illegal encroachment of Guma Valley Water Company’s water catchment areas and the need for unbundling the water sector, in order to improve on the provision of water supply in Freetown and its environs.
Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina said the agreements were not controversial, especially those relating to agriculture and improvement of artisanal mining in the country. He used the occasion to call on the Minister to bring an Artisanal Mining Act to Parliament for ratification.
Opposition Whip, Hon. Hassan Sesay also said the agreements were not controversial, but called on the State to drive the economy on self-financing as against donations or loans. He expressed hope for a better artisanal mining policy that will help the people. He also spoke about the benefits of the agreement on road construction, in light of continuity in governance, signifying the Kailahun Road as an example.
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo said, the agreements were relevant, but called on the Ministry of Finance to monitor the MDAs on the utilization of funds made under these agreements in light of their capabilities for the effective utilization and realization of development programmes. He concluded saying that the agreements were not controversial.
Concluding, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma recalled that the Kailahun Road Loan Project was tabled in Parliament by John O. Benjamin, former Minister of Finance under the administration of late President Kabbah and commended the APC for continuing the same project. The Leader emphasized the importance of good road connectivity, relative to transportation of agricultural wares to the markets and the movements of people.
He informed that the agreement on Freetown Wash and Aquatic, prioritizes capacity building, job creation, infrastructural improvement, and the safety of facilities belonging to GUMA Valley Water Company.
The Leader spoke about the importance of fiscal discipline and noted that the Support to Artisanal mining is to improve the economic livelihood of the people. He called on Members of Parliament to approve the agreements for the benefits of Sierra Leone.
In another development, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 15th June 2021 debated and approved with unanimity the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and ODHAY Multi Industries (SL) Limited (OMI).
