1 Comment 
Hon. Jawah Sesay, Member of Parliament representing Sambaia, Dansogia, and Kalanthuba Chiefdoms in Tonkolili District, has delivered a scathing parliamentary address highlighting the persistent neglect of Sierra Leone’s mineral-rich regions, particularly regarding infrastructure and the allocation of mining revenues.
Speaking during the recent parliamentary debate on President Julius Maada Bio’s address to Parliament on August 7, 2025, Hon. Sesay criticized the notion that national development is uniform, emphasizing that communities contributing significantly to the country’s GDP continue to suffer from neglect.
“Despite the 4% GDP growth driven by mining, the areas generating this wealth remain underdeveloped,” he noted, urging that budgetary considerations prioritize these economically viable districts.
Hon. Sesay recounted being trapped for six hours on the Bendugu-Bogo road, describing it as “severely deteriorated.” He reminded Parliament of President Bio’s 2018 campaign promise to construct the Oka-to-Bendugu road, which remains unfulfilled. Other roads in poor condition include the Binkaro Junction to Karamtuma Chiefdom route, which he also highlighted.
Despite repeated appeals to government officials including the Director of EGTC, DGO of Exa, and Ministers of Energy Hon. Sesay lamented the lack of action to address these infrastructural challenges. He expressed disappointment that the proposed 2026 national budget fails to address development for these critical areas.
Tonkolili District, home to major mining companies such as FTB and New York Mining Company, remains underdeveloped, with one of the poorest district councils in the country.
Hon. Sesay raised concerns over the Mining District Development Fund (Act 144) and an additional Mining Development Fund, both designed to allocate 20% of mining royalties to local chiefdoms, particularly those not directly involved in mining operations.
He challenged the Minister of Finance to provide clarity on the use and disbursement of these funds, noting that they have not been released since the legislation was passed in 2020.
While criticizing government inaction, Hon. Sesay commended the Road Maintenance Fund for its work, but stressed that urgent attention is needed to ensure equitable development of mineral-rich communities.
He concluded by urging greater transparency and accountability in both the management of mining revenues and the execution of essential infrastructure projects, highlighting the critical role these areas play in Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
I want to say a big thank you to our hard working honorable member of Parliament Mr jawah sesay for this wonderful submission, it’s really sad to see a communities that is generating the highest revenue for the country has been neglected woefully. This three chiefdom has nothing to write home about, no good road, no better clean water and no better health facilities. It’s high time for the government to reconsider these three communities in term of development. We really deserve better!!!!