By Mohamed Foday Conteh
The Minister of Works and Public Assets, Peter Bayuku Conteh has at the government weekly press briefing on the 1st July 2021, explained his Ministry’s move so far in implementing the Medium Term Development Plan (2019-2023) which is part of the government’s strategy in improving people’s lives through education, inclusive growth, and building a resilient economy.
He explained that his ministry is placed in cluster 3 of the Plan under the sectorial grouping of programmes geared towards development. A Cluster he said focuses on infrastructure and economic competitiveness and covers energy, the transformation of transportation systems, improving water infrastructure systems, tackling waste management, and developing information and communications technology. He also stated that the Plan highlights support for the Presidential Infrastructure Initiatives and fostering the private sector growth and manufacturing.
The Minister said that they have increased road safety by 17 percent and achieved an increment in cumulative weathering roads to 1,416 kilometres (km) –an increment of 137km. He went on to state that the cumulative length of feeder roads will be increased to 400 km.
Speaking on ongoing projects, the Minister mentioned completion of the Audit Service Commission building at Tower Hill and renovation of Miatta Conference Centre.
The Minister promised the undertaking of projects like the construction of courts in Bo, Karene, and Port Loko. He disclosed that works on an Appeal court is set to begin as well as the construction of the Bo Presidential Lodge.
Conteh revealed that feasibility studies had already been conducted on 25 feeder roads which include Bo- Yele- Matotoka Road, Kabala- Falaba Guinea Border Road, Kenema- Zimmi Road, Songo Junction- Mabang Moyamba Road, and work on them to be actualized soon.
The Minister stated the importance of roads in aiding in the development of human capital in Sierra Leone. He stressed the importance of Kailahun and Koindu border roads in reviving the once vibrant Koindu Market that used to invite traders from all member countries of the Mano River Union.
Conteh also announced that the Dakar-Abidjan Road Project will soon start as it has been submitted to Parliament for ratification. Experts believe that the project will link Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. The Minister added that this project will be funded by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Conteh added that in the near future, vehicles plying some routes in Sierra Leone will be weighed before allowed use so as to prevent premature deterioration of roads. The Minister stated that safe space for engineers is of importance. For that reason, his Ministry has assisted in the approval of an Act that is soon to be ratified by parliament which will regulate practices of engineers.
Some members of the public are concerned with the snail pace for the completion of some road projects like the hillside bypass and Lumley Tokeh Road. The Minister responded that the principal reason had been a lack of funds to compensate property affected persons. He said, however, funds are now available and that the Lumley Tokeh Road will be completed early 2022.
Copyright © 05/-7/21 Politico Online
