By Foday Moriba Conteh
In response to a request made by the Ministry of Western Region to the People’s Republic of China, through the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone towards promoting the security and development of York and John Obey communities, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 30th November, 2021 signed an agreement with the Ministry of Western Region for the provision of 100 sets of solar street lights (180w) worth 420 Million Leones to the Ministry of Western Region to light up York and John Obey communities respectively. The signing ceremony, for the implementation of the project by the Ministry, took place at the Chinese Embassy on Spur Road in Freetown.
According to the agreement, the Embassy will provide, through a local supplier called G.Q Trade Limited, the 100 set of solar street lights (180w) to the Ministry of Western Region. The supplier will then transport the lights to the communities and install them, of which the
Ministry shall coordinate residents in those communities to carry out the necessary preparatory work for the installation of the lights, including the specific locations for installation, the relevant roles of environmental protection and safety institutions.
The said project is expected to be completed within one (1) month from the date of signing of the implementation agreement.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Western Region, Sidi Sesay, commended the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone for the donation of the 100 set of solar street lights (180w) to his Ministry.
He said the request made by the Ministry of Western Region to the People’s Republic of China through their Embassy in Sierra Leone was geared towards promoting the security and development of York and John Obey communities.
He noted that after completion, the Ministry shall coordinate the two communities to take ownership.
On his part, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Hu Zhangliang, commended the initiative of the Ministry of Western Region in terms of improving the security and developmental activities within the York and John Obey communities.
He assured the Ministry of more future collaboration towards the development of Sierra Leone.
Representatives from the communities present also commended both the Ministry of Western Region and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone for the provision of the 100 set of solar street lights (180w).
Prior to the signing of the implementation agreement, the Ministry of Western Region embarked on visitation to the York Rural Community during which time the Minister Nabeela Tunis, the Permanent Secretary and a team of volunteers conducted inspection tours.
The main purpose of the visitation was to inter-relate with the inhabitants of the York Community and to share the Ministry’s mandate and also identify opportunities and map out the way forward to support the community.
Speaking during the meeting with residents, the Minister of Western Region, Nabeela Tunis, said that the role of the Ministry is to act as an emissary between the Government and the people, thus bridging the gap between the Government and the populace for national cohesion.
