By Alpha Abu
The Director of the National Authorising Office (NAO), Ambrose James says a good number of projects will be coming through next year that are mostly part of the European Union’s Euro 376 Million grant support to Sierra Leone.
James explained to Politico that huge sum was allocated for use between 2015 and 2021 but that execution of the grants projects actually commenced around 2017-2018. He stated that some of the Infrastructure component of the grant support will be completed next year. He cited the Robgbere Bridge in the Port Loko district as a key infrastructure that will be ready in January next year.
He disclosed that delay on the bridge’s completion was due to the rains that went on till November that affected the earthworks around the structure. He also mentioned Mabang Bridge in the Moyamba district which he said will be completed in March next year. He also spoke about the constructed Moyamba Junction to Moyamba town road and its numerous bridges that have been upgrade to dual carriage, all from EU funding. James also spoke about the Bandajuma /Liberia border road that is nearing completion.
The NAO boss said their biggest achievement for 2021 has been the commissioning of 100 schools across the country, an event that was formally conducted by President Julius Maada Bio. The schools, some of which were newly constructed or rehabilitated were provided with water and sanitary facilities. They were also equipped with improved furniture, laboratories some with computers, and libraries.
School district and Teaching Service Commission offices have also been equipped and staff given bikes to enhance mobility.
According to him four local councils in the districts of Kambia, Bombali, Kenema and Pujehun received Euro 3.5 Million each for income generation initiatives. The NAO director said the councils have now embarked on the construction of Markets, Morgues, Guest Houses, Multi- Purpose Buildings and Cattle Paddocks. Two other relatively new districts Karene and Falaba got Euro 1.2 Million as support from the same fund.
NAO is also collaborating with the private sector and NGO’s through the Boosting Agriculture and Food Security (BAFS) Project that attracted funding of farmers including women who are engaged in the Cocoa, Cashew and Coffee business.
James also spoke about their collaboration with other institutions such as Parliament, Human Resource Management Office and the Public Service Commission in restructuring and upgrading systems and operations. He highlighted efforts to introduce paperless records keeping through an electronic records management system.
He dismissed any notion of NAO becoming starved of funding ahead of the general elections, saying they run rolling projects that are being implemented.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online (22/12/21)
