Freetown: Sierra Leone’s Parliament convened to unanimously ratify a series of agreements aimed at accelerating national development. The ratified instruments span infrastructure, water security, agriculture, and regional integration, marking a significant legislative session for the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the agreements include a Public Private Partnership Agreement for the design and construction of the Lungi Hotel Congress Center and Presidential Villa. This agreement, between the Government of Sierra Leone and FB Group ULUSLARARASI YATIRM VE DIS Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, represents a 124-million-dollar investment. The project aims to create an ultra-modern facility to host global conferences. Additionally, a 40-million-dollar agreement focused on improving water facilities was discussed.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Hon. Keikura C. Vandy, emphasized the need for resources for government functionality and the importance of judicious use of these agreements by implementing agencies. He highlighted the potential for these agreements to enhance the water facilities and encouraged involvement in livestock to boost the nation’s economy.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Whip of the Opposition, stressed the need for more efforts to provide adequate water facilities. He expressed concerns that the Lungi construction projects may have limited impact on ordinary citizens and advocated for prioritizing basic needs over luxury developments like the presidential villa.
Deputy Leader 2, Hon. Aaron Koroma, raised issues regarding the delay in document availability for MPs and the need for clarification on the operational period and revenue sharing terms. He also encouraged the Ministry of Finance to negotiate concessional loans.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma, praised the Minister of Finance for the progressive agreements, highlighting the strategic importance of the Lungi projects. He noted that the projects aim to improve the Lungi community and boost economic development in the Bonth District with a 50-million-dollar investment.
In response, the Minister of Finance assured that the government would address the concerns raised by Members of Parliament and consider concessional agreements for future deliberations.