Opposition MP Calls for Urgent Action on Abandoned Projects in Falaba
By Benjamin S Conteh
Hon. Mohamed Alpha Jalloh, opposition MP representing Falaba District, has called on the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government, led by President Julius Maada Bio, to urgently prioritize all abandoned road projects in Falaba District.
The MP made this appeal on Thursday, November 21, 2024, during deliberations on the 2025 National Financial Budget in Parliament. The budget, presented by Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fatamadi Bangura, is under discussion for allocation to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Hon. Jalloh expressed concerns about inconsistencies in the budget, specifically pointing out discrepancies in paragraph 108. He questioned why NLe17 million was allocated to the Sierra Leone Research and Agricultural Institute (SLRAI) in one section, while the Appropriation Bill reflected only NLe10,000. Seeking clarification, he asked whether the missing NLe7,000 represented payroll costs.
The MP further highlighted significant changes in the country’s economic statistics. He stated that Sierra Leone’s national budget had increased from $4 billion to $8 billion, with the GDP per capita rising from $492 to $857. However, he noted that despite improvements in the debt-to-GDP ratio, from 98% in 2023 to 53.5% in 2024, many citizens continue to face harsh economic realities.
He cited several pressing concerns:
• The minimum wage remains low at NLe800.
• The cost of a bag of rice has risen to NLe1,000.
• $100 now exchanges for NLe2,400.
• The price of fuel has surpassed NLe27.
• A World Food Programme (WFP) report shows food insecurity at an unprecedented 82%.
• Youth unemployment remains a critical issue.
“Mr. Speaker, the reality is that the people of Sierra Leone, especially in Kenema and Falaba, are not happy,” he declared.
Hon. Jalloh also drew attention to the deplorable state of roads in his district, particularly the Kabala-Falaba road, which was slated for completion in 2016. He revealed that the initial $70 million project had been delayed, resulting in an increased cost of $86 million. Despite this, only $30 million has been paid to the contractor, leaving a shortfall of $56 million.
He criticized the 2025 budget allocation of NLe26 million (approximately $1 million) for the project, deeming it grossly inadequate. He shared a tragic story of Jeneba Kamara, a resident who lost her life on the poorly maintained road, and urged Parliament to prioritize its rehabilitation.
Hon. Jalloh also highlighted
