June 11, 2021
By: Mohamed Jalloh
Years back, decentralization in the governance sphere was only in theory. It was hardly practicalised. Preventable bottle necks have served as a restraining factor for social services to reach the people, particularly rural inhabitants.
Vices such as corruption, red-tapism, uneven distribution of wealth marginalization and lack of political will have impeded the implementation of communal services, where people in the country side were largely deprived of enjoying social amenities.
Under the new direction government that trend is about to change. The avalanche of projects being launched in the provinces is testament to a determination of bridging the abysmal gap in rural urban development. It is a new phase of devolved functions.
Sierra Leoneans across the country would cease to be in discomfort to commuting to Freetown for services.
That is not to say the importance of Freetown would be impinged as the hub for government activities. The point is the capital city would no longer be seen as the Mecca to access basic facilities.
The hassle of traversing long distances to accessing social services would be narrowed in many sectors.
In the educational sector, for example, Professor Alpha Wurie has officially handed over the four hundred and seventeen acres of land to consultants at a ceremony held at the would be University of Science and Technology, Faandu Campus in Gbense Chiefdom – Kono District. This is unprecedented in the history of Kono district.
About a week ago, the Vice president Juldeh Jalloh turns the sod for the construction of a National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) office in the northwestern regional headquarters of Port Loko.
Upon completion, Port Loko residents and internal migrant workers would for the first time utilise the services of the crucial labour office.
Moreover, the construction of the Kadie Sesay Secondary School in the beginning of the year would help to enhancing human capital development in the district.
Last week, the Inspector General of Police Ambrose Sovula launched the construction of a regional police headquarters in Bonthe district as a fulfilment of the government`s quest to maintaining law and order in that part of the country.
In order to boost the energy deficit in rural areas, Minister of Energy and Power, launched a mini power grid that would provide electricity to the people of Kailahun district.
The above mentioned projects are just a snap selection of a plethora of developments that would reach the door steps of people living in the rural areas.
Upon completion, these projects would be vital in relieving the pressure off the densely populated capital city, Freetown.
The major project that would have the greatest impact in decongesting Freetown is the much acclaimed construction of the Lungi bridge.
Whenever concluded, the city would be easily linked to the rest of the country and the estimated economic return for both the government and the people would be maximised.
If Freetown is not Sierra Leone, as is often said, the implementation of services to rural areas must be a priority because rural indegenes deserve better as Sierra Leoneans.
Whether funded partly or wholly by government or independently financed by donors or well-wishers, the people are in desperate need of development and less interested in the source of the funds.