Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr Moinina David Senge, assured Kono district residents that President Julius Maada Bio and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) place a high value on their needs and aspirations. This announcement was made during the Office of the Chief Minister’s Townhall Series, which took place on Saturday, August 17th, at various locations throughout the district, such as educational institutions, community gatherings, and party offices.
Dr. Senge stated that President Bio’s administration is committed to carrying out its manifesto promises, highlighting the tangible progress made in Kono. “President Bio promised electricity to the people of Kono, and he delivered. No other district in Sierra Leone has a consistent power supply like Kono. As Chief Minister, I stand before you to reaffirm our commitment to Kono: we will deliver,” he stated confidently.
Dr Senge highlighted infrastructure advancements under President Bio’s leadership, including the start of construction on a 78-kilometre Koidu-Guinea border highway, a $94 million project. He emphasized the importance of this development, claiming that it will increase trade and business opportunities between Sierra Leone and Guinea. “As your Chief Minister, I assure you that we will see this road come to fruition,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving regional connectivity and economic prospects.
The Chief Minister clarified the meaning of the government’s slogan, #WeWillDeliver.He explained that it represents a continuous desire for improvement and a determination to outperform current accomplishments. “It does not imply that we have not made progress; rather, it reflects our dissatisfaction with the pace of our development and determination to improve,” he explained.
In addition to infrastructure, Dr. Senge emphasized educational advancements, specifically the establishment of Kono University. He proudly announced that approximately 130 students would graduate from the institution, citing the government’s commitment to education. He stated that funding for the construction of Kono University has been secured, and the consultants have already been compensated. “We believe the people of Kono should value education more than diamonds. “We have made significant progress in improving educational opportunities in the district in recent years,” he said.
Dr. Senge emphasized the importance of inclusive and participatory governance, which is a major component of President Bio’s agenda. He stated that Town Hall meetings will be held in all districts, following previous sessions in Bombali and Moyamba. He emphasized the importance of elected officials maintaining open lines of communication with their constituents, updating them on government initiatives, and gathering feedback on community needs. “This Townhall Meeting Series serves as a complementary governance approach, ensuring that we are accountable to the public,” he stated.
Reflecting on the progress made since President Bio’s re-election, the Chief Minister described the government’s delivery architecture, which includes performance contracts that ensure transparency and accountability. He encouraged citizens to become acquainted with these publicly available contracts and to hold public officials accountable for their actions.
Dr. Senge issued a call to action, urging Kono residents to support the ‘Feed Salone’ Project and encouraging all Sierra Leoneans to help, even in small ways, by buying locally grown produce. During his visit, he also assisted the Minister of Agriculture in the distribution of farming equipment and fertilizers to local farmers, demonstrating the government’s commitment to agricultural development.
To promote unity among Kono’s diverse communities, the Chief Minister urged residents to embrace their differences and cultivate a spirit of cooperation. “Political ideology should not cause divisions among us.” We can belong to multiple political parties while remaining united. “Kono is a melting pot of different tribes, cultures, and people, and we must agree to prioritize peace and harmony,” he said.
The Townhall Series gave community members a platform to express their concerns and get answers from their leaders. Attendees raised concerns about road project completion, job opportunities, improved healthcare services, and student scholarships. The Chief Minister acknowledged the concerns and reaffirmed the government’s determination to address them.
Dr. Senge used this town hall meeting to reaffirm the government’s commitment to the Kono district and its people, promising to continue working to deliver on the promises made and to foster a sense of unity among the diverse population.
