By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a bid to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth in the Bo District, Council Chairman Victor Korseh Hindowa launched feeder road maintenance projects in Boama, Wonde, and Lugbu chiefdoms on August 20, 2024. The initiative, funded by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Road Maintenance Fund Administration, aims to improve access to essential services and markets, fostering economic development across the district.
Chairman Hindowa during the launching emphasized the critical role of reliable road networks in reducing the distance between communities and services, noting that poor infrastructure has historically hindered the district’s development. He highlighted the importance of bridges and culverts, particularly in remote areas, to ensure safe and consistent access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
“I am delighted today to launch the maintenance of feeder road projects in Boama, Wonde, and Lugbu chiefdoms. This effort is part of a broader initiative to connect communities to essential services,” Chairman Hindowa stated during the launch. He further linked the project to the Bio-led government’s ‘Feed Salone’ agenda, underscoring his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises.
The launch event saw participation from a broad spectrum of community stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs, Section and Town Chiefs, Members of Parliament, Council members, Civil Society Organizations, religious leaders, and local residents. Chief Administrator Vivian Sally Senesie affirmed her support for the Chairman’s agenda, stressing that a good road network is no longer a mere need but a priority for improving the socio-economic livelihoods of the district’s residents.
Paramount Chief Mohamed Tshombe of Wonde Chiefdom praised the new administration’s focus on infrastructure, highlighting the vital connection between progress and community connectivity. Members of Parliament Bashiru Sidikie and Ing. Habib K. Fabba also reaffirmed the significant role of local councils in constructing and maintaining infrastructure to bridge gaps between communities.
Civil society representatives, including Claude Sheriff of Non-State Actors-Bo and Joseph Dominic Blackie of Civil Society Organizations Bo District, urged community members to take ownership of the project and engage in regular monitoring to ensure its success. They also warned against the theft of materials, emphasizing that the project’s success is crucial for the future of their children.
The event concluded with the official handing over of the project to the community stakeholders and the introduction of contractors responsible for the maintenance work.
Boama, Wonde, and Lugbu chiefdoms are key agricultural and mining areas within the district, home to multinational companies such as Sierra Tropical and SOCFIN, which produce pineapple juice and palm oil, respectively. The improved road infrastructure is expected to bolster these industries and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.
