President Koroma says the Days of “USAI DEN TAI COW” Are Over

During the launching of yet another site for the construction of a jetty and other ancillary facilities this time in Tombo, eastern Freetown, President Koroma on Friday 24^th October 2008 said the days of “usai den tai cow nar dae e dae eat” (meaning, ‘the cow grazes where it is tethered,’ metaphorically interpreted in Sierra Leone as ‘workers indulge in corrupt practices in the offices they find themselves’) are over.

The President made this statement when directing his remarks to the ADB-funded project contractors, Modern Construction Company (MODCON), admonishing them to deliver a valuable and durable infrastructure that would reflect the money invested in it. He said it was a habit for contractors to deliberately delay projects so as to find ways of getting more money beyond what was originally estimated with an excuse of prices having changed. “This is a one year project; and one year after today, we want to see this project completed.” The President said he would personally supervise all projects in the country even if they are in remote areas.

Earlier, President Koroma said he was happy to be in Tombo for the ceremony, even as it is part of an overall government initiative to develop fishing in the country. “I know fishing has been around for many years, but when you look around, there’s no infrastructure to show we have been benefiting from it.” The President said fishing is a sector in which many Sierra Leoneans are engaged. He made mention of the inspection he did on the fishing-surveillance boats of the naval wing of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and his determination to deter poaching trawlers from continuing to carry out their nefarious activities. “We are sending these boats out to protect our fish, to defend our territorial waters. We know for now we have a limited capacity, but we’ll do our best. And this time when anyone is caught, State House will monitor how the cases are handled. The law is the law, and everybody should comply with the law; and now it has to be enforced.”

The President told fishermen to avoid dangerous methods of fishing, like the use of explosives, mono-filaments, and miniature nets that catch breeding fish, depriving the coming generations. He said government would ensure that those using these methods are brought to book. “We’ll enforce it; if not, we will end up with a white elephant infrastructure – there’s a jetty, but no activity because there’s no fish.” The Head of State reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans as he promised during campaigning: “When campaigning, we said we want your lives to improve; and we meant it.” He said there’s a need for Sierra Leoneans to rise to the occasion to restore the country’s image and be proud to be Sierra Leoneans. He had special praise for the people living in the project site who have agreed to be relocated in the interest of the community - “It’s a big sacrifice for the benefit of Tombo and for Sierra Leone.”

The President asked the Site Management Team to be vigilant in ensuring that the people benefit from the project by way of employment and avoiding corrupt practices.

On those who took loans from the ADB and have refused to pay back, the President said he has given full authority to those responsible for the collection to ensure that the monies are paid back. “There has to be discipline. No society will develop without discipline.” He asked the Ministry and the Committee to report to him on the progress of the collection on a weekly basis. “We are here to make people’s lives better. And I have no apologies for that,” he maintained.

The Head of state ended by saying he felt honoured to hand over the site to the contractors. “May God bless all the efforts we are making.”

Solomon Saybana Kamara, Financial Management Officer at ADB, standing in for his boss (Country Representative Dr. S. Ofori Onwana who was out of the country on a conference), emphasized on the benefits Sierra Leone stands to gain when the project would have been completed. He said similar projects are going to be launched in Shenge and Bonthe, while reiterating ADB’s support to Sierra Leone in a bid to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Freddie Jones, who represented the consultant architects/engineers IDEAS Partnership, gave a detailed description of the jetty and ancillary facilities to be provided for the Tombo community, noting that the jetty to be built here would be distinct in the sense that it would have to be 150 metres long.

Other speakers included the MP of the area, Chukuma Johnson, who doubles as Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the Project Manager of the Artisanal Fisheries Development Project (AFDEP) Alpha A. Bangura, and Village Headman Ibrahim O. Sesay, who gave the welcome address.

Launches Two Projects in Makeni

President Koroma officially opened a newly constructed SOS Children’s village in Makeni on Sunday 26^th October 2008. The village, with modern facilities including constant supply of electricity and water, has a capacity of 120 children. President Koroma thanked the donors, especially those from Denmark and Switzerland, including SOS International Secretary General Richard Pickler, who graced the occasion, for remembering the poor, the orphans and the disadvantaged. He hoped many more would emulate their good example. “Our people say that the way to a parent’s heart is through kindness to his children. By showing kindness and concern for the children of this country, our visitors, the organization they represent and the numerous benefactors of SOS villages the world over, have earned a special place in our hearts,” the President noted. He used the occasion to lament on the poor performance of students during the last West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Exams (WASSCE), how he is setting up a commission of inquiry to that effect, and how the 6-3-3-4 educational system is being reviewed.

The occasion was chaired by Resident Minister North Alie B. Kamara. SOS Children’s Village National Director Olatungie E. E. Woode, together with SOS International representatives, made statements.

Afterwards, the President also commissioned in Makeni a $150,000 donation of a drilling rig, accessories, and a vehicle for the purpose of digging wells for the Bomabali community facilitated by World Hope International. The President recalled that members of Heartland Church in the US visited him in January and made the appeal for the people to be provided with safe drinking. He was therefore gratified at the quick response tyo his appeal. He said, like all the programmes he is launching around the country, he will monitor the progress of this project.

The ceremony was chaired by Deputy Minister of Finance and Development Dr. Richard Konteh.

Welcomes UK Students and Teachers on Exchange Programme

The President today met and welcomed a group of students and teachers from Holy Trinity School, West Sussex, UK, when they paid a courtesy call on him at State House. President Koroma hoped they have been enjoying and learning about Sierra Leone and would go back with lasting memories of the country. He said the relationship between Sierra Leone and the UK is very strong, urging them to go back and tell others about this peaceful country and its friendly people. The group of 19 shared jokes with the President about the weather being “too hot” and the local food being “fantastic”. One remarked: “The people are very friendly. They can go out of their way to do anything for you.”

Off to Guinea Tomorrow

The Head of State will be going to neighbouring Guinea tomorrow on a one-day official visit. Before departure, he will officially launch the Business Coalition Against AIDS in Sierra Leone (BCAASL) at the Kingtom Bank Complex in Freetown.

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!