Opposition Member of Parliament, Hon. Zainab Bah, has called on the Government of Sierra Leone to prioritize investment in the tourism sector, particularly in the Western Area, where several tourist attractions remain underdeveloped despite their economic potential.
Contributing to the debate on President Julius Maada Bio’s State Opening Address in Parliament, Hon. Bah acknowledged the President’s development initiatives but stressed the need for concrete government action to unlock the country’s tourism potential.
She highlighted the Western Area’s rich tourism assets, including Kent, Banana Island and other surrounding islands, noting that these destinations could generate significant revenue, attract investment and create employment opportunities if properly developed.
However, she identified inadequate infrastructure, including poor road networks, unreliable electricity, limited access to clean water and poor sanitation, as major challenges hindering the growth of the sector.
Hon. Bah also called for increased investment in youth skills development, support for local businesses and improved cleanliness at beaches and other tourist destinations to make them more attractive to local and international visitors.
She specifically drew Parliament’s attention to Mambo Waterfall in Constituency 110, describing it as a promising natural attraction with the potential to boost tourism and create economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
The opposition MP appealed directly to President Bio and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to prioritize the development of the waterfall through improved access roads, electricity, clean water and adequate sanitation facilities.
She maintained that tourism should be treated as a strategic economic sector rather than merely a recreational activity, emphasizing its capacity to generate employment, attract investment, increase national revenue and improve the livelihoods of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Hon. Bah’s contribution highlighted the need for the Government to move beyond acknowledging Sierra Leone’s tourism potential and demonstrate its commitment through practical investment in infrastructure and sustainable tourism development.