News

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

The Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) will need US$100 million annually for the next ten years, amounting to US$1billion, to ensure everyone in the Western Area gets access to pure and safe drinking water, the company said.

Officials of Guma made the projection during the presentation of their budget to government on Thursday, as part of the ongoing national budget presentation hearing.

By Hajaratu Kalokoh

Sierra Leone is set to have its first policy for the aged, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

The Ministry said the National Ageing Policy, which is geared towards strengthening the provisions under the country’s Social Safety Net Program, is set to be launched by President Julius Maada Bio. It didn’t provide an exact date for the launch.

The Social Safety Net is a program that caters for the aged. It involves the provision of cash support for those eligible under it, especially in rural areas.

By Hajaratu Kalokoh

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS) has announced an elaborate plan to collaborate with the sister Ministries of Defense and Youth Affairs to embark on a massive rice production scheme.

This collaborative project aims at cultivating 170, 000 hectares of rice over the next three years. MAFFS officials said Thursday in a press briefing the goal is to produce 310, 000 metric tons of rice.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has said they will need Le44 billion to pay for the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2020. The money will cater for 172,000 pupils in all public schools in the country.

The Ministry of Education made the announcement during the presentation of their budget for 2020. However, this money could increase drastically after the Ministry of Finance instructed them to factor in pupils who will be writing the exams in private schools.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has said it needs government to subsidize it up to the tune of Le300 billion in 2020. The power distribution body gave the forecast during the presentation of their budget and strategic plan for the 2020 Financial Year.

EDSA is a semi-autonomous state enterprise. As part of their functions they buy power and supply them to homes.

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

The Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation (SLRTC) looks set to branch into haulage as part of the parastatal’s plan to diversify its operations. The management of the Corporation says the shift is also part of its desire to increase its revenue base.

The revelation was made at the ongoing national budget presentation hearings in Freetown.

By Politico Staff Writer

As part of its effort to cut down on youth unemployment in the country, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has conducted training on entrepreneurship for 34 youths.