By Alusine Rehme Wilson – (AR-WILSON)
Sierra Leone’s President, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio
on behalf of his government in collaboration with the European Union
representative to Sierra Leone has on Friday July 10, at the UNIMAK
multipurpose hall announced its latest project which will provide financial
assistance to Local Authorities and Civil Society Organizations in four local
districts in the country.
“Many thanks to the European Union for this great
boost to Local councils in the country, this is in line with the new direction
manifesto to decentralize the governance and development process in the
country, said President Bio.
“My government will ensure that the much needed
desires o this project is reached and I am sure the CSOs, Traditional Leaders
and Administrators of the Councils will do the same.” The President vowed.
The said grant for each of the four targeted councils for the
project: Bombali, Kambia, Kenema and Pujehun worth’s huge Million Euros and is
meant for Local Development in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, health,
education, gender and social protection for five years.
Pujehun, Kenema, Bombali and Kambia Districts Councils will
use the grant to help institutional their capacities to deliver desired services
at the same time strengthens their relationships with civil society
organizations by way of improving effectiveness
in local governance affairs and to complement government’s efforts in the decentralization
process in the country.
Ambassador Tom Vens, the Head of European Union Delegation in
Sierra Leone, in his statement at the day’s event acknowledged the President
Julius Maada Bio’s stategic strategy and long-term vision in enhancing the
decentralization process in the country which he said is at the heart of the
government’s New Direction.
Going further Ambassador Vens, said that “the aim of the project
is to support effective decentralization and efficient service delivery of
local councils to the citizens, especially in rural communities and thus
reechoed that the project will give a new face lift to economic growth and
social cohesion in the country.”
Other speakers at the event, includes the Minister of Local
Government and Rural Development, Tamba Lamina, Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu
Saffa, District Chairpersons, Chief Administrators among other attendees
pleaded their commitments to implement and monitor the five years facelift
project in and they also commended President Bio collaborative leadership style
and the European Union for their continued support to various sectors vital in
the development process of the West African Nation.
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