A team from the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) has on the 20th February, 2023 during their courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt applauded the sector for the achievements and gains made in the implementation of the various projects under the EIF.
The EIF Regional Portfolio Manager, West and Central Africa, Desmond Tijinbun Ngochi and the Trust Fund Consultant, Bonaventure B. Traore were on a mission to assess what have been done in the various projects, look at gaps ahead of wrapping the projects in March.
The Admin and Human Resources Manager of the Implementing Agency, the National Tourist Board, Cyrillia Wilson said the EIF’s Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Project (STDPP) looks at capacity building, product development, sector governance and marketing. She pointed out that they have been implementing these activities over the years for which the team was there to assess what has been done before the project closes.
On her part, the Minister, Dr. Memunatu Pratt welcomed the team to Sierra Leone saying that it was a pleasure to receive officials from the EIF. She said the project is one that has changed the face of the sector as they have been able to implement all the activities.
She disclosed that with the support of the EIF they will be having the very first Sierra Leone Tourism Act which addresses the tangling issues regarding the sector. With regards the development of the eco-lodges and tourism facilities in Tiwai, Wara Wara and Banana Island, she had to get all players on their toes in getting the desired results, but notes challenges in the dynamic nature of the global crisis. She added that the Hotel and Tourism Training Centre (HTTC) at Milton Margai is almost done, the integrated tourism curriculum is completed and awaits popularization.
On the way forward, she suggested that they look at other infrastructural enhancement on the eco-lodges, construct eco-lodges in other areas, provision of boat services, skills development, management of waste, beach management and mainstreaming women and youth in their activities.
The Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh recalled that the inception of the project was very challenging, until the Minister took office and integrated all the activities to have one focus to transform the tourism industry and achieve the vision of President Bio by repackaging the project and broadening the scope.
The Permanent Secretary, Edward Kwame Yankson told the mission team that from what he has seen during his short stay in the Ministry, it is clear that the EIF projects are doing very well. He made a case for added facilities in the various project sites to make it a complete package.
In his statements, the Regional Portfolio Manager for West and Central Africa, Desmond Tijinbun Ngochi stated that they were happy to work with the tourism team as they know their competencies and what they have done. He emphasized that Sierra Leone is one of the countries that has good performances with regards implementation of EIF projects. He commended the tourism industry for the early submission of the increase in fund proposal which he said will enable the sector to be one of the beneficiaries of additional funds.
The Ministry and the Board took the team on a conducted tour of the Hotel and Tourism Training Centre at Milton Margai Technical University, Brookfields Campus which is due to be commissioned in March, 2023. The EIF team was impressed at the level of work done on the edifice and encouraged the sector to continue the implementation of more EIF projects.
