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The 2024 national budget, recently presented in Parliament, has sparked mixed reactions nationwide, particularly in Kono District.
While the budget outlines ambitious infrastructure projects, it raises concerns about fulfilling promises made by President Julius Maada Bio during his 2023 re-election campaign, especially his flagship pledge, “Kono Matters to Me,” which prioritized road development in the region.
The budget includes plans for the Koidu township roads’ completion, a positive step for Kono.
However, the decision to gravel the Bompeh-Tongo to Manor Junction road again, instead of full-scale construction, has left residents frustrated.
Despite repeated graveling efforts, including in 2022, the road remains hazardous. Stakeholders argue that investing in minimal tarred construction would ensure durability and better resource utilization.
A more contentious issue is the Koidu-Kamandor-Guinea (Conakry) road project, which President Bio declared a top priority during his campaign.
Launched with much fanfare in January 2022, the project was expected to be completed by January 2025. However, the 2023/24 budget reveals that it remains in the negotiation phase with unnamed private entities, casting doubt on meeting the promised timeline.
This delay raises questions about the original agreement with GUICO PRESS Company, reportedly contracted for the project.
Residents express disappointment over the lack of transparency and progress, especially as this road is crucial for regional trade and connectivity with Guinea. Many see the delays as a missed opportunity to address decades of marginalization.
These setbacks have fueled skepticism, with some residents questioning whether “Kono Matters to Me” was merely a political slogan. They urge the government to expedite negotiations and provide clear updates, emphasizing that concrete action is needed to restore trust and fulfill long-standing demands.
While the government’s broader infrastructure goals are commendable, Kono’s concerns highlight the need for focused action. Completing key projects like the Bompeh-Tongo and Koidu-Kamandor-Guinea roads would honor campaign promises and demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusive development.
With the 2025 deadline approaching, Kono residents are determined to hold the government accountable and ensure that promises translate into tangible results.
POV: Kono is used as a political play ground. The most productive district in the country, treated like trash. In a serious consideration, the emotions of citizens of such productive distirct cannot be diced as it’s happening now. The peacefulness and humility demonstrated by the people of this district should not be taken for granted.
Again, where are the reps thathvae ben entrusted with leadership? Should they be considered a missed decision by a few for the masses? If the felt needs of the people of this community cannot be catered for, why should they listen to anymore of similar speeches over and again? Is this a concern?
Whoever or whatever organisation behind the ill treatment of the people of this blessed, beautiful, and productive area called district that keep foreigners coming into the country, should realize that change is possible and not in a distance.
If you are a representative from a district serving in all spheres of duty or capacities, and playing neglect or avoidance, you should start thinking that the % of reliance on you to champion the needs of the district at the right time and place is close to <45%.
Which might erode the mor with the passage of time and the increase in knowledge of the people of this beautiful place. Your inactions to serious develoing concerns in the district is a call for reminder. I hope posterity will act against you in the same way.