The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, continued intense debate on the National Budget for 2025, themed “Improving the Well-being and Quality of Life of Sierra Leoneans.”

The proposed Appropriation Act seeks to authorize expenditure from the Consolidated Fund for the upcoming fiscal year, targeting key sectors to bolster national development.

Hon. Abdul Latiff Sesay of Port Loko commended President Julius Maada Bio for constructing a fire station in Port Loko City but decried the absence of a fire extinguishing vehicle. Sesay also called for the expedited construction of a donor-funded hospital and advocated for reduced taxation to promote ease of business and economic growth.

Hon. Nenneh Lebbie of Bo District underscored the Feed Salone initiative’s progress in tackling hunger, emphasizing the fisheries sector’s untapped potential due to the lack of access to the EU market. She called for stricter surveillance to curb illegal fishing and urged judicious use of donor funds in project implementation.

Hon. Meamunatu Jalloh of Port Loko urged support for women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and called for removing barriers hindering women in business. Jalloh also expressed concern about economic challenges and called for better management of the Feed Salone program.

Hon. Paul Samba Conteh from Bombali criticized delays in infrastructure projects, including road maintenance in Karena Town, and highlighted unfair budget allocations to certain ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Hon. Aruna P.S. Larkoh of Tonkolili lamented budgetary neglect of his district, which contributes significantly to national agriculture. He raised issues about poor roads, healthcare facilities, and lack of safe drinking water in rural communities.

Hon. Rugiatu Tarawalie Mustapha of Kenema stressed the importance of agriculture in national development and called for road construction linking key towns to facilitate trade. She also advocated for employment generation and infrastructure development.

Hon. Peter Yamba Koroma of Bombali raised concerns about the redenomination of the Leone, wage disparities, and GDP performance relative to other nations. He urged the government to reassess budget allocations for critical MDAs such as the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

Several MPs, including Hon. Alice K. Sandy of Kenema and Hon. Hindolo Ngevao of Kailahun, praised the government for initiatives like youth empowerment through Keke distribution, the Feed Salone program, and infrastructure projects. However, they also called for increased efforts in areas such as sports, environmental protection, and healthcare.

Hon. Ernest Dura Koroma of Kambia advocated for fair budget allocations to underdeveloped regions, emphasizing the urgency of road construction and electrification projects. Similarly, Hon. Mariama Bangura of Western Area highlighted inadequate water supply and the dilapidated state of public infrastructure.

As the debate continues, MPs have called for transparency and accountability in budget implementation, emphasizing equitable resource distribution to ensure tangible benefits for all Sierra Leoneans. The 2025 Appropriation Act is expected to address pressing issues in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and job creation, key pillars for national development.