Food Security Goes Beyond Market Availability, Opposition Chief Whip Declares in Fiery Parliamentary Debate
In the annual debate following the President’s address, Sierra Leone’s Parliament erupted in a spirited discussion. This year’s session was especially intense, with incisive contributions from some of the most articulate and impassioned Members of Parliament. Among them, Opposition Chief Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara stood out, raising critical issues he believes are impeding the nation’s progress and demanding urgent attention.
Hon. Kamara began by addressing the state of education, a flagship initiative of the current administration, which promised to deliver “Free Quality Education.” He argued, however, that this commitment has largely fallen short. Before the 2018 elections, the ruling SLPP pledged to improve the welfare of teachers, whom he called the architects of education. Yet, he claimed, the teaching profession has become one of the most neglected sectors. “There is little to show for the promised quality,” he stated, noting that teachers’ salaries and conditions remain poor, which he suggested has ultimately compromised educational standards.
Kamara went on to discuss the dismal conditions of public schools, especially in terms of sanitation. He pointed out that many schools lack basic hygiene facilities, including functioning washrooms, posing a health risk to students. He cited cases where children are forced to use restrooms without adequate sanitary provisions, accusing the government of failing to address these basic needs.
Turning to the health sector, Kamara painted an equally concerning picture. He accused the government of neglecting public healthcare, describing many hospitals as “dumping grounds” with inadequate medical supplies and staff resources. While the government has increased the recruitment of medical professionals, he argued that it has neglected to improve their welfare. “We come from districts, chiefdoms, towns, and villages where people can’t even consider using the Peripheral Health Units due to their terrible conditions,” he declared, suggesting that government neglect has put citizens’ lives at risk under the pretext of welfare improvements.
Agriculture, another top priority of the SLPP government, also came under scrutiny. Hon. Kamara criticized what he described as the government’s empty promises to ensure food security, reminding Parliament of previous similar promises, such as “Food Sufficiency” in 2002, “Bread and Butter” in 2007, and now, “Feed Salone.” He doubted the credibility of the Feed Salone initiative, arguing that it lacks the necessary substance to deliver on its promises. “Food security is not just about having food in the market; it’s about affordability,” he stressed. Kamara underscored that, with the current rate of inflation, even if there were ample food supplies, many citizens could not afford them.
The debate then shifted to infrastructure, where Kamara highlighted a perceived imbalance in regional development. He criticized the administration’s lack of road construction projects in the North-West Region, claiming that no significant roadworks have been undertaken there in the past six years. Referring to a 2021 visit by the President to inspect road projects, he argued that none were identified in the North-West. Furthermore, he alleged that the government has halted progress on several road projects started under the previous APC administration, including the road to Binti, Tonko Limba Road, and Makeni township roads.
In closing, Hon. Kamara issued a call to action, urging the government to prioritize the welfare of the people over political agendas and personal vendettas.
