By Crispina Taylor
Sierra Leone`s pension fund, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) on Tuesday came under heavy criticism for its investments which lawmakers say are hardly targeted at the masses.
NASSIT was criticized for engaging in projects that appear to benefit the few rich folks in society, like its expensive housing schemes and the controversial mall projects ongoing on the provincial headquarters towns.
“NASSIT has made some unwise investments. NASSIT should be building houses for young couples, fresh graduates and teachers who cannot afford to build houses or rent apartments as this will help improve the lives of the youths and those who are vulnerable due to the jobs they find themselves in,” said Minority Leader Banardette Lahai.
“They [people] want to live in comfortable houses but cannot afford them. NASSIT are building houses for the high and mighty which is affecting the institution in paying benefits to the old and those who are retired.”
Mrs Lahai`s comments was only one of several that dominated Tuesday`s session which witnessed the approval of six presidential nominees identified for various board positions. They include Buffy Bailor, for the Public Service Commission; PC Alami Kanneh, for SALWACO; Francis Hinga Lahai, for the Road Maintenance Fund.
Fayia Musa Tucker, nominated to serve in the NASSIT board, attracted much of the attention of the MPs, who were concerned about the whereabouts of billions ploughed into the Trust.
Claude Kamanda, Chief Whip of Parliament, said it was high time the parliamentary committee on Labour called on the management of NASSIT to explain what was being done with all the billions collected on behalf of workers.
Jusufu Mansaray, deputy Whip and opposition SLPP Member, said NASSIT had been investing in many projects including housing but that they had still not invested in housing for ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
The MPs were concerned that there were huge sum of money in NASSIT, but that the individuals the money were made for were not benefiting.
The MPs also raised issues around maintenance of roads, public procurement, and recruitment for the public service, among others.
Majority Leader Ibrahim Bundu, who also touched on the “unwise” NASSIT investment and endorsed calls for the management to be summoned, also focused the spotlight the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF).
He wondered why the RMF should collect money for road maintenance and at the same time allow legislators to buy tools to maintenance roads in their constituencies.
(C) Politico Online 21/10/15
