By: Mohamed M. Sesay
The Fifth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone on Thursday the 27th of October 2022, unanimously ratified a Five million dollars Loan agreement for the construction of 523 schools across the country, and to also provide internet facilities in those schools
Presenting the Government Motion, the Deputy Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, disclosed that the five million dollar loan agreement is meant to restore and restart education and also accelerate digital connectivity in schools. He added that the five million dollar loan would last for twenty-five years with seven years grace period. According to the Deputy Minister, over five hundred schools are expected to benefit from the project implementation.
Contributing to the debate, the Chairman of the Committee on Finance in Parliament, Hon. Francis Amara Kaisamba admonished Members of Parliament that the agreement is simple, and straightforward adding that, the agreement is geared towards ameliorating President Bio’s Free Quality Education. He also intimated that during the implementation of the project, the learning process would be simple and accessible and it would help to accelerate the education of the country.
Acting Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Hassan Sesay registered their indefatigable support for the loan agreement and any other development-related projects introduced by the New Direction Government. He encouraged the government to make adequate coordinate and monitoring of the project. He expressed elation over the project, and also sent a strongly worded warning on its implementation. “Let there be a more effective monitoring to ensure that, the targeted beneficiaries receive the benefit of the project”, he said.
Rounding up the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie intimated that during the last election campaign, they promised the people quality education. He noted that the just ratified agreement is one of the many opportunities the New Direction Government is investing in the education sector across the country. He, therefore, called for robust oversight responsibility on the implementation of loan agreements. The Acting Leader of Government Business also advised all committees in Parliament to enhance effective oversight rather than just sending unfounded blame on the government. He assured all and sundry that government would implement the loan to the satiation of the beneficiaries. He asked the ministry to properly implement and encouraged Parliament to oversee the implementation of the project.