Sierra Leoneans Question Purpose of Politics as Basic Needs Remain Unmet After 63 Years of Independence

Many Sierra Leoneans have said, sometimes, in their quiet moments, they do ask themselves “What’s the real purpose of politics or governance?

The answer that comes to mind is to improve the lives of citizens through the implementation of sustainable social projects like improved road network, providing quality healthcare services, supporting food security drive, provision of potable water and energy supply.

Disappointingly, they said, the two major political parties that have ruled this country 63 years after independence have done very little or nothing to address challenges like poor road network, energy glitch, poverty, hunger, economic disparities and more for our people.

Some say Sierra Leoneans are not expecting much from politicians and all they need is to better their lives through the national coffer-which is their bonafide entitlement as citizens.

Governments in and out have awfully failed the people of Sierra Leone, especially those in rural communities! They have failed to adhere to their bogus manifestos in addressing the felt needs of citizens.

A citizen said, the only period the people could feel the ambience of politics is election peak – where rogue politicians would traverse the length and breadth of abandoned and rejected communities propagating their dubious and fictitious campaign messages.

He spoke about the abandoned and rejected Makama Road which a key route is hosting the regional hospital in the north of the country and also, the country’s social security and insurance entity which is located on this same highway.

Most times, he said, patients accessing this road, especially pregnant women and lactating mothers, find it hard to go through the bumpy, muddy potholes in accessing this health facility.

For countries with a national agenda, CONTINUITY, especially for the completion of mega social projects, is a watchword.

The dilapidated Makama Road would have been completed if Sierra Leone is among countries with a national agenda or goal.

“What we are witnessing now is politics of hate, tribalism and regionalism- which have culminated to what can be described as “WE Vs.THEM”. One Abass said.

Abass said, a good road network offers several benefits that can positively impact a country’s economy, social life, and overall development.

He said no wonder why as a country; they are still not a competitor to foreign trade or foreign direct investment.

Abass said the magnets (good road network, energy, etc.) to attract economic growth and development are abysmally dysfunctional.

Overall, he said good road infrastructure serves as the backbone for economic and social progress.

Therefore, he said, their politicians have to see the bigger picture-which is Sierra Leone’s sustainable development.

He said party politics is not only primordial but unsustainably unproductive.