By Mohamed T Massaquoi
Pujehun recently set national record by becoming the first district to cross the 42-day period without recording any new Ebola infection. But this has also meant closer monitoring of border activities against potential cross-border infection.
Ngelley though suggested that the government could put certain measures in place, including engaging the Health ministry to deploy personnel at the border for proper screening of people who enter or leave either country.
"[But] our major concern with regards to the re-opening of the Mano River border is owing to the fact that we want the normal functioning of our internal trade fare at Jendema to come into existence, we are not and we will not be pleased if our government fails to do this for us," stated Councilor Ngelley.
The councilor said since the Ebola crisis erupted, they have been living in a complete "hell" as Kenema, which would have been an alternative for their survival source, was also affected by the epidemic. The road linking Pujehun to Bo is also restricted due to the Moa River, he said, rendering Pujehun completely quarantined.
The politician also lamented that the continued closure of the border has encouraged the proliferation of numerous illegal crossing points, which he said risk reversing Pujehun`s gains in the fight against Ebola.
Fodei Bockarie, councilor of the nearby Ward 323, complaint about bad road network as affecting his constituency, which he said makes reopening of the international border for them of utmost importance.
In his constituency, a 50kg bag of rice cost Le 285, 000 and Bockarie blamed the high cost on the border closure. He also said over the years they have been lagging behind when it comes to the development priorities of the government.
Similar concerns were raised by Councilor Borbor Zombo of Ward 321, as did some representatives of youths, traders and local chiefs in the chiefdom.
© Politico 20/01/15
