By Francis H. Murray
The Ministry of Youth Affairs has disbursed over Le 2 Billion for the installation of 70 outboard engines and their fishing accessories to be used on 70 local boats already constructed.
Ministry officials say the disbursement is part of President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to youth empowerment.
The Ministry made the announcement in a press release issued on Thursday. The amount represents 40% of funds issued to contractors for the installation process.
The ministry earlier this year disbursed over Le 1 billion, 30% of total funds for the construction of 70 fishing boats for youths across the country.
The Youth in Fisheries project will benefit young people living in coastal districts like Pujehun, Bonthe, Moyamba, Kambia, Port Loko and the Western Area.
The project was given to seven national contractors who are said to be on schedule for delivery.
The ministry also noted that it had relied on relevant stakeholders to monitor the process and to ensure the expected target was met.
‘‘It is against this backdrop that the Ministry is calling on all stakeholders to continue the monitoring process with the primary objective of achieving the quality work it deserves and the value for tax payer’s money,’’ continues the press release.
The Ministry says that at the completion of the project the boats will be handed over to 1,400 young people across seven districts in the country.
The Youth in Fisheries project was embroiled in allegations of corruption before Mohamed Orman Bangura was appointed as Minister, as emerged at the commissions of inquiry on the past administration. It is one of several projects that have been revived in the ministry in the last two years.
Copyright © 2020 Politico Online
