By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
In his keynote address on the launch of the Sierra Leone Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030, President Julius Maada Bio has vowed to transform areas of economic challenge into havens of economic opportunity.
While launching the Plan in Freetown on the 30th of January 2024, he noted that it marked another defining moment in the nation's history to set a future of unparalleled prosperity and progress. He said that a well-thought-out National Development Plan serves as the backbone of the society, ensuring that the aspirations of the people are not only heard but also meticulously addressed.
He stated that in this new MTNDP, the government has been holistic and inclusive, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. He said the Plan brings together a variety of viewpoints, all coexisting in harmony, each playing a role in fostering progress and sparking innovation.
President Bio affirmed that Democracy thrives only when supported by real development, which is the foundation for freedom, equality, and prosperity.
“Our Government recognizes that the development path is paved with challenges, and it is our resolve to face these challenges head-on, guided by the principles of equity, justice, and sustainability. We also recognize that our National Development Plan should empower and liberate our people, not constrain them,” he said.
He reiterated that the government’s goal is to dismantle barriers, enabling visionaries to envision boundless futures, creators to innovate freely, and citizens to thrive unimpeded. He said that the government is driven by a deep-seated belief in the extraordinary potential of people to rise above adversity and transform the world around them.
He went on to state that to actualize this grand vision, it is crucial to have synergy and alignment across all levels of Government, noting that Public Servants and politicians must work in unison toward the common goal of improving the quality of life of the people.
The President pointed out that the Government is dedicated to promoting unity and collaboration through the new National Development Plan which he said is key to building confidence among the citizens and essential for attracting and fostering investments that drive the nation's growth and development.
He said that the government strives for predictability and seamless communication, free from the constraints of personal egos, to guide the nation along a path of development, peace, and prosperity. He added that as they embark on this transformative journey, they acknowledge the vital importance of innovative financing in overcoming infrastructure challenges, saying, they aim to find creative solutions and build strategic partnerships with various allies to achieve this goal.
“As we implement these development aspirations, it is crucial to emphasize the vital role of peace and unity. This applies not just to our personal and public lives but also to the collaboration and harmony among the different branches and agencies of our Government,” he said.
He said that government must ensure synergistic collaboration that encompasses top-down and bottom-up approaches, fostering cohesion across institutions and between the public and private sectors which he described as the cornerstone of their strategy. He explained that every master plan, every initiative, and every process must align with this overarching goal, ensuring that the collective efforts resonate with unity and purpose.
Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan is the most fundamental pathway to achieving middle-income status and sustainable development for the country in the not-too-distant future.
Copyright © 2024 (Politico 31/01/24)
