BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
Councilor Kumba Nyama of the Kono District Council has raised concerns over the deteriorating cleanliness of Koidu New Sembehun City, despite its significant local revenue generation, in a recent citizens’ engagement meeting.
Speaking at the Sahr Sessie Gbenda Hall on Bona Street in Koidu City, Kumba Nyama highlighted the accumulation of waste at various locations within the municipality, citing delays in waste collection by the Koidu New Sembehun City Council (KNSCC) waste management vehicles. Nyama criticized residents for their negligent waste management practices, accusing the council of inadequate response to address the issue.
Marketplaces and public areas were singled out as particularly untidy, with Nyama noting the dissatisfaction among traders at Gbense Market due to the absence of essential amenities despite regular market dues payment. Additionally, concerns were raised about flooding in Gbense Market during heavy rainfall, despite efforts by Koidu Limited Mining Company and others to mitigate the issue.
Furthermore, Nyama highlighted the non-payment of retired staff and the neglect of Mount Zion Road maintenance contracts by the KNSCC. Allegations were made regarding the dormancy of council committees, purportedly influenced by nominees of KNSCC Mayor Komba Matthew Sam.
In response, Jonathan Teckham, Head of the Eastern Region Division of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), assured attendees of investigations into the raised issues and pledged intervention. Teckham expressed dismay over the mismanagement of Konomanyi Main Lorry Park, identifying it as a breeding ground for criminal activities, drug sales (especially Kush), and prostitution. Speculations arose regarding the alleged sale of areas within the park, notably “Kakapoe,” to a business mogul, leading to developmental activities in the sold section.
The ASSL vowed to incorporate these findings into their forthcoming report for prompt action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the identified challenges in Koidu’s municipality.
Despite significant local revenue generation, the municipality of Koidu faces criticism for its untidy state and apparent mismanagement of public spaces, prompting calls for intervention and accountability from local authorities and stakeholders.