By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a major development aimed at enhancing parliamentary infrastructure, Leone Rock Metal Group has donated 1,000 bags of cement, valued at approximately 200,000 New Leones, to the Parliament of Sierra Leone.
This support will directly aid the construction of new office spaces for Members of Parliament (MPs) and improve facilities, reflecting the Group’s commitment to sustainable development and nation-building. The donation ceremony took place in the Speaker’s Conference Room at the Parliament Building on Tower Hill on Monday, November 4th, 2024.
Leone Rock Metal Group’s Director of Community Affairs, Ansu Momoh, emphasized the company’s strong relationship with Parliament and its dedication to fostering a conducive working environment for MPs representing millions of Sierra Leoneans. “We believe that sustainable infrastructure is the backbone of economic prosperity,” said Momoh. “This collaboration is an investment not only in construction but in the future of Sierra Leone.”
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, received the donation on behalf of Parliament and expressed gratitude to Leone Rock Metal Group for their continued support. Hon. Conteh remarked that this partnership would help transform Parliament’s infrastructure, a goal central to improving the working conditions of MPs.
He noted the challenges MPs face due to a shortage of office space, with many having to conduct work from the canteen. “This donation will be instrumental in addressing Parliament’s infrastructure needs, allowing MPs to better serve the citizens of Sierra Leone,” Hon. Conteh stated.
Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, the Majority Leader of Government Business, praised the company’s role in national development and underscored the importance of Parliament’s independence in pursuing such initiatives.
“Parliament will always remain Parliament,” he affirmed, emphasizing that the legislature continues to seek procedural avenues for self-sufficiency, apart from the executive branch.
Hon. Daniel Koroma, Deputy Opposition Leader, highlighted the urgency of office space for MPs and lauded Leone Rock’s contribution to easing this challenge. “The lack of offices has been a long-standing issue, but with this donation, we are a step closer to providing MPs with appropriate working conditions,” Koroma noted.
Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Mr. Gilbert Bosco Nhabay, welcomed Leone Rock’s officials and stressed the significance of this construction project for parliamentary operations. He acknowledged the company’s gesture as part of their corporate social responsibility, which, he said, comes at a critical moment.
Leone Rock Metal Group’s donation is part of a broader vision to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by supporting various sectors across Sierra Leone.
This commitment to sustainable infrastructure also aligns with recent efforts by the Parliament administration to improve security measures and operational efficiency. Hon. Conteh disclosed that other construction companies and cement factories have been engaged to expedite the construction project.
The event also saw commendations to the Chinese government for their past support to Parliament’s infrastructural needs. In addition, the Parliament’s administration continues to modernize its operations, including implementing electronic log-in machines for staff to track work hours, as donated by the former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Through these collaborative efforts, Leone Rock Metal Group and the Parliament of Sierra Leone aim to lay a solid foundation for the nation’s growth and prosperity, fostering a future where infrastructure supports democratic governance and economic advancement.
