In his Presidential address at the State Opening of Parliament today, His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma re-affirmed his determination to achieve the goals set out in his Government’s Agenda for Change.
Making a strong appeal for national unity in the face of immense challenges at home and abroad, the President vowed that his would be a ‘government of infrastructures’, saying:
“From Kabala to Pujehun, Kailahun to Freetown, we will unite this country through infrastructural projects that link up the towns, cities, villages and all the ethnic groups of this country.”
He outlined the highways, feeder roads and bridges being constructed in every district and region of the country.
As well as his road-building programme, President Koroma spoke of his commitment to the other areas of the Agenda for Change.
In energy, he announced that the first phase of the Bumbuna Hydro Electric Project had been completed, with full commissioning expected in the coming weeks. He also said that the Government will be embarking “on an intensive development of mini-hydro-electric plants” in Bankasoka, Makali, Charlotte and Moyamba, and would be strengthening the Dodo project to double its supply of electricity to Bo and Kenema.
President Koroma expressed his desire for Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector to become “a role model for the continent in increasing production and productivity”, and promised an increased package of support to farmers to make this happen including subsidised seeds and fertilisers, access to machinery and improved storage and processing infrastructure.
His Excellency the President acknowledged the challenges still facing the country’s health care system, despite some recent signs of progress in tackling maternal and infant mortality. He vowed to address both the quality and affordability of care, with plans to roll out a basic package of essential services to every health facility and move towards the elimination of user fees for pregnant women and children under five.
Ending his speech with a call for all Sierra Leoneans to take advantage of the growing opportunities to participate in their country’s development, President Koroma asserted his belief in inclusive government. He said:
“Our vision of national unity is not about giving jobs to a few elites posturing as the only authentic representatives of their towns and villages. Our vision of national unity is rooted in the ideals of service to the common man and woman of every region.”
He re-committed his government to transforming Sierra Leone especially for the common man and woman, and called those in positions of leadership to sign up to “the greater values of service, justice, unity and respect for the common man and woman.”
THE PRESS SECRETARIAT
STATE HOUSE
09 OCTOBER 2009
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