By: Saidu Jalloh (Intern)
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kanyeh Barlay has on the first week of September 2023 inspected the proposed Ultra-Modern Market Site in Waterloo.
This visit was to enhance the president big five agenda and the radical inclusion to develop every community.
In addressing the market women of Waterloo, the Minister said, “This visit is part of the broader project which includes the construction of five regional markets, 100 boreholes, and 100 street lights within the market community,” she narrated that initiatives would soon commence with the arrival of the technical team from China. She also said that the 11- acre dump site along the highway, closer to Waterloo market, had undergone a feasibility study as a potential location for the construction of the Ultra-Modern Market.”
She explained that experts from the MDAs and the Chinese project team had conducted a comprehensive feasibility study at the proposed Ultra-Modern Market Site which represents a significant undertaking under the Chinese government support. “The government is committed to bring this market to life that is align with president Bio big 5 agenda. Together, we will work towards creating a brighter future for Waterloo,” Minister Barlay asserted.
The new Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing has also assured the Minister of Planning and Economic Development that China is ready to work with Sierra Leone and the project is another concrete action of the China – Sierra Leone friendship. “I’m ready to bring more bilateral developments projects and build more markets in Sierra Leone,” Wan said.
Wan added that capacity building is essential to nation building. “I hope this market will become Sierra Leone place for market women in the community to earn their living,” Wang said
“While Sierra Leone makes progress under president Bio China new journey will create more opportunities for our bilateral corporation including building market and access investment. Under the strategic guidance of president XI Jinping and president Julius Maada Bio, we can be assure that China – Sierra Leone relations will continue having a brighter and a more promising future,” Chinese Ambassador said.
Mamusu Sankoh, Chairlady of the Waterloo Market park said that they thanked the Minister and the government for the bold step taken to build them an Ultra – Modern market in the community. “This has been our prayer for a very long time and we thank the government for the idea of constructing one for us. We have been risking our lives to trade at the road side in order to earn our living upon all the taxes we pay to the council and union but with the construction of this market we which hope will finish soon to help take us from selling in the street,” the chairlady said.
Minister Barlay assured the market women of government’s unwavering support to women empowerment. ” The government has given 30% to women in governance this has demonstrated how serious we are to change the lives of women not only in building market but in giving the space to participate in governance like myself here,” Minister Barlay explained.
