In a recent address, Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Amara Kaisamba of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) praised various development projects aimed at boosting the country’s economic growth.

Representing a constituency in Kenema, a district in eastern Sierra Leone, Kaisamba, who is also the Chairman of the Finance Committee, celebrated the presentation of a key document containing agreements for several developmental projects.

The document outlines pivotal agreements designed to foster economic growth and improve living conditions across Sierra Leone. Among the notable agreements is the Financing Agreement for the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Programme, a partnership between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Signed on November 6, 2024, the initiative aims to enhance livestock production and secure the livelihoods of countless families.

Another significant development is the Protocol of Agreement signed between Sierra Leone, the African Development Bank, and the African Development Fund. This agreement, dated July 9, 2024, focuses on creating job opportunities for youth and women in climate-smart agriculture and waste management, marking a significant step toward sustainable development.

Related News

Furthermore, the Climate Finance and Energy Innovation Hub Agreement, signed on June 24, 2024, between the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Government of Sierra Leone, aims to catalyze solutions in the climate finance and energy sectors.

In his address, MP Kaisamba expressed his gratitude for the ongoing development efforts but also raised critical concerns about financial management in the country. He warned that Sierra Leone’s increasing reliance on external funding could lead to a precarious debt situation. Kaisamba stressed the need for careful allocation of resources to ensure long-term sustainable development.

The MP also highlighted the importance of transparency in managing public funds, particularly those allocated for urgent projects such as climate change mitigation and community development. He emphasized that strict oversight is essential to ensure that the funds benefit the people of Sierra Leone.

Kaisamba further addressed the issue of youth unemployment, noting that many qualified individuals from colleges remain jobless, despite the country’s need for skilled professionals. He called for increased investment in agriculture, which he sees as key to national development. He urged the government to improve infrastructure, including roads to markets, to support farmers and ensure their products reach consumers.

The MP concluded his speech by calling for stronger accountability in the deployment of funds for development projects. He stressed that while progress has been made in agriculture, more needs to be done to ensure that the majority of citizens benefit from these initiatives.