In a fiery and impassioned address on the final day of parliamentary debates on Sierra Leone’s FY2025 National Budget, Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawalley delivered a blistering critique, calling for urgent reforms to address the escalating struggles faced by ordinary Sierra Leoneans.

Representing the people of Bombali, the Opposition MP challenged the budget’s theme, “Improving the Well-Being and Quality of Life of Sierra Leoneans,” describing it as a hollow promise against the backdrop of surging inflation and a deepening cost-of-living crisis.

Hon. Tarawalley highlighted the crippling cost of rice, a staple food for Sierra Leoneans, as emblematic of the country’s economic woes. “Today, a 50kg bag of rice is beyond the reach of the average citizen. This is a clear indication that we are not addressing the fundamental needs of our people,” she said, advocating for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage.

The MP linked the rising prices to the country’s high inflation rate and the Leone’s continued depreciation against the dollar. She criticized the government’s inability to stabilize the exchange rate, stating that the situation had worsened despite repeated assurances of progress.

While commending the government’s ‘Feed Salone’ initiative and e-voucher project aimed at improving food security, Hon. Tarawalley expressed skepticism over their effectiveness. She stressed the need for rigorous oversight to ensure the projects benefit both farmers and consumers. The Bombali MP also criticized the centralization of poultry farms in Bo and surrounding areas, pointing out the additional costs incurred by citizens traveling to access these resources. “Equitable distribution of resources is crucial if we are serious about feeding Sierra Leoneans,” she argued.

On healthcare, Hon. Tarawalley delivered a pointed critique of the system’s inequities, emphasizing that most Sierra Leoneans cannot afford to travel abroad for medical treatment. “It’s high time we prioritize our health systems here at home. The ordinary Sierra Leonean deserves access to quality healthcare without leaving the country,” she said.

Turning to water resources, Hon. Tarawalley called for increased funding for the Ministry of Water Resources and support for SALWACO’s expansion projects. She emphasized that access to clean water remains a fundamental issue for many citizens. “Our people cannot continue to suffer due to inadequate access to this basic necessity,” she declared.

In a scathing assessment of the country’s gender policies, the MP criticized the neglect of most one-stop centers for survivors of gender-based violence. She urged the government to rehabilitate existing facilities rather than build new ones that may face similar underfunding and mismanagement.

In her closing remarks, Hon. Tarawalley accused the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) of failing to deliver on its promises, stating, “Our people voted out the APC hoping for better, but it feels like they have stepped into a worse situation under the SLPP.” She described the FY2025 budget as an “Open the Door, Let Me Pass” document, arguing it fails to provide tangible relief for ordinary citizens.

Her impassioned critique drew bipartisan support, prompting a temporary adjournment of proceedings for 15 minutes. Hon. Tarawalley’s sharp assessment of the budget underscored her commitment to advocating for practical and inclusive solutions to the country’s economic