Drowning at crossing points of major rivers within the country has been a great problem that has claimed thousands of lives over the years. With all the problems less or nothing has been done to remedy or curb the menace.

In a way to help remedy the situation Alfred Dassama Jr an indigene of Dama Chiefdom who has been living in the United Kingdom, has vowed to do all within his might to end or minimize drowning in the Moa river and along the crossing points in Dama Chiefdom.

Alfred A Dassama and his family held a groundbreaking launching ceremony at the Konella Village, Dama Chiefdom, Kenema District, where he distributed life-saving jackets and a more advanced canoe/boat to various crossing points along the Moa River in Dama Chiefdom, Kenema District.

Explaining a brief background of the project, the coordinator, Alfred Alimamy Dassama Junior, intimated that the whole initiative started during a drowning incident that occurred sometimes back, where six lives were lost.

“It was a tragic loss and I felt serious pain in my heart, especially an old woman who lost three of her relatives to that particular drowning. Their remains were never discovered” says Mr Dassama.

 

“I went to Ngandorhun villages to sympathize with all the bereaved families, more especially old madam Baidu who suffered the loss more than everyone else.”

“During my visit, I didn’t make a definite promise to the people in finding a remedy to the drowning problem that has taken several lives of people in Dama Chiefdom”, he continue

“I spoke with some family members here and other relatives in the United Kingdom about the nemesis and how we can find a possible solution to curtailing or minimizing it. Fortunately, the idea was welcomed by everyone, referring to it as brilliant.”

“since then, I have been mobilizing resources to get the necessary logistics. I’m happy the project has come to reality. I want the people of this chiefdom and District by extension to take advantage of this opportunity and save lives,” Dassama pleaded.

Milton Kenie Dassama urged the authorities of Dama Chiefdom to handle the project as their own and effectively monitor it. The following crossing point at Maccaca , mano Njeigbla, Gandorhun, Maina, Loppa, Nganyawama, and Kornia Njagor are, to be honest in handling the equipment.
He assured the people that more will be done for the betterment of the chiefdom and district as a whole.

In his keynote address, the paramount chief rep and spokesperson, Chief Mohamed Demby, thanked Alfred A Dassama jr and friends for such a laudable venture, calling It “Live Protector, and important.”

Chief Demby furthered that, this is not the first developmental project the Dassama family has brought to the chiefdom of Dama, and Alfred A Dassama as an illustrious son will not regret bringing such an astute development.

This singular act of Alfred should send a clear message and challenge other people from this chiefdom to emulate.

Chief Demby concluded by pleading with all and sundry to take absolute care of the materials and use it for the intended purpose.

Several other stakeholders of the District made similar supporting statements at the official launch to climaxed the occasion.