Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism, Memunatu Pratt has condemned the European Union For claiming credit for the construction of recently commissioned Mabang Bridge. 

Pratt took to her Twitter page to question the role of  the European Union in developing countries asking if it is about claiming credit for what they have pledged to do as development partners or to compete with government as if they are political rivals.

“What is the role of EU in supporting developing countries. Is it about claiming credit for what they have pledged to do as development partners or to compete with government as if they are political rivals . This the case in Sierra Leone.

“Is the EU another political party in Sierra Leone. Why are they behaving as if they are in competition with government. EU has a sacred role to support governments worldwide but when that is undermined by discrediting efforts of government its call for concern”, She wrote.

 

Pratt’s comment has since generated heated conversations on Twitter with many netizens commenting on the topic.

“Madam Minister nor Vex. EU just d try for avoid misunderstanding en set the records straight.”, Ady Macauley, a former Anti-Corruption Commissioner wrote in response to her tweet.

“Setting the record straight that’s all… the EU are tried of your government claiming it projects.”, a Twitter user, Amira Tatayea Bangura wrote.

Another user identified as HotRub100 wrote, “The EU will not tolerate a non performing government to claim credit for the EU funded project for political goals. If dem nr be disgrace una for the last magbele bridge una 4 dae still talk say na tok en do president do am”

The newly constructed 231 metre long Mabang Bridge was on Friday 8 July 2022 commissioned by President, Julius Maada Bio.

The bridge funded by the EU and built together with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), runs over the Ribbi River along the Songo-Moyamba road that leads to southern part of Sierra Leone.

The construction of the bridge falls under lot 2 of the 48 million Euro project titled “Moyamba-Moyamba Junction Roads and Bridges”, which also includes the 32.8 km Moyamba Town and Moyamba Junction road, 36-metre span Gbangbama Bridge, 42-metre span Moyamba Bridge and the 163-metre length Magbele Bridge, all funded under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).