This is the question posed to me by a friend who was visiting home for the first time in about a decade. “Economically, things are tough” came my initial reply.
The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST – 15%) combined with a more proactive approach to tax collection by the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the scary presence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has increased the cost of living in Sierra Leone. However, this is a very positive thing for Sierra Leone so it is a bitter pill we have to swallow. It is not perfect but we will learn to understand it and how it works. I do believe that 15% is on the high side, but the silver lining is that it should force us to ask where the money is going! This should be the natural - we pay tax and earn the right to demand accountability.
Add to this the fact that the entire global economy is still on a downer and it just makes things worse. The tourism industry where I am, has been seriously hit and there are no signs yet of things turning around. Sierra Leone of course, hardly has what you’d call a tourism industry anyway.
The promise of things to come…
However, I can categorically say that I am once more starting to get very optimistic about Sierra Leone’s future. There is just so much going on.
Free health for pregnant women and infants
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Sierra Leone has the world's highest death rate among pregnant women and children. Hopefully not for much longer! The government will launch free health care on April 27th 2010. There are many questions as to whether it will be sustainable and many criticisms that the systems are not in place. As long as the government is committed to making it happen I’m sure (well I hope) they will find a way. Regardless, this is an important development for Sierra Leone and I wish them the best of luck!
Improving road infrastructure
I am very impressed with how the government appears to have taken the challenge on infrastructure head on. Some of the ongoing road projects include the
- Peninsula Road (ongoing)
- Kambia-Port Loko (ongoing)
- Masiaka-Bo-Kenema(more or less complete)
- Kenema-Koindu Road Corridor (Kenema-Pendembu 1st phase, ongoing)
- Makeni - Matotoka (ongoing)
- Port Loko – Lungi (soon to award contract)
- Hill-Side road (soon to commence)
A couple of interesting ones are:
- Widening of Wilkinson Road (Madongo Town to Lumley
- Rehabilitation of City (Freetown) Roads
I say interesting because these are wholly funded by the Government… also taking into consideration the amount of property development in those areas, I can just imagine the chaos. It’s also scheduled to be complete in 2011. Nice!
Energy
So, not only is Bumbuna complete but another 10MW machine was just last week commissioned in Freetown. I also heard the Minister of energy and Power on the radio talking about other towns in the provinces where going to get Bumbuna power by the end of the year. Sierra Leone’s chronic energy problem is by no means solved but the political will appears to be there and sometimes that’s all it takes.
Internet Underwater cable
Now this is one that is another one that is close to my heart! Sierra Leone has confirmed its plan to connect to the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) cable, a submarine fibre-optic system that would run along West Africa with connections to France and South Africa. The project is expected to go live in 2011. Not only should this significantly increase the bandwidth available to Sierra Leone but it should also be cheaper. I will be following this one closely.
Some interesting investments
It sounds like private money on a large scale is starting to trickle in. A lot of noise has been made about London Mining’s investment in the Marampa Iron Ore project and Addax Energy’s $400m investment in agribusiness. Both seem to hold promise – but both deals have come upon criticism from various circles. I haven’t read the small print but I hope Sierra Leone benefits from such investments. it is definitely worth following their development. According to MarketWatch, mines will see $3 Billion of Investment in Next Three Years.
Airport Ground handling
I complained about the airport in my recent blog post. I still think it’s badly run. There were two recent developments at the airport though. A firm has been awarded the contract to carry out a complete refurbishment of the airside infrastructure of Lungi Airport. In a separate development, a new company is now responsible for ground handling operations at the airport. The new ground handling company Sky Handling Partners (Sierra Leone) is a subsidiary of Groupe Europe Handling.
The new and improved Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation
I believe this we are only the second country in Africa to have a public broadcaster – after SABC. Definitely the first in West Africa.
The SLBC is the result of a merger between United Nations radio in Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service.
Septimus Kaikai a former Minister of Information in the SLPP administration is chairman of the board of trustees.
The new and improved SLBC TV (broadcasting about 12-18 hours a day) bears almost no resemblance to SLBS TV. I'm really impressed so far... and in a country where Satellite subscription is probably under 10,000 households (DSTV is under 5k), there seems to be a lot of scope for growth as I've been led to believe they also broadcast in other districts. The program scheduling needs some work but it’s a great start. As with all things sustainability and being able to generate enough revenue is key and I’m guessing advertising and external funding would help. However, while the do have some good reporters/programs they will need to downsize and go after new and dynamic individuals and talent to keep viewers interested. Well done SLBC, Good Luck!
Anti Corruption Commission
Regardless of what some might have you believe, the Anti-Corruption is a much more effective institution than ever before. For the first time we are seeing government officials at the Ministerial positions being called to task. The Minsters of Health and that of Marine Resources have both lost their jobs after being charged to court by the ACC. They follow the former head of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) and other people in office who have been prosecuted by the ACC. While corruption cannot be eradicated; the ACC under the leadership of Abdul Tejan-Cole is a fantastic ally in the fight against it.
This is not saying that all is well, there are still many challenges to overcome but there still many reasons to be optimistic about the future.
Oh, and Akon is coming to town for a concert!
17 comments:
Excellent post. I visited Sierra Leone last year and though some elements were tough, like the water and power. I had a wonderful time. I'm very excited about these developments in Salone. I can't wait to go back. Thanks for the update.
ups and down of Salone, lets hope the new developments can be sustained and this is not just political manouvering to celebrate the upcoming 50th Anniversary.
BTW - Many of the road projects are funded by donors (WB,EU,ADB) and I think that the govt is still looking for funding for some of the remaining road projects. Thanks for the positive update
Another brilliant post! Thanks for the update Otolo. Keep the them coming...
I have just returned from a fantastic visit to Sierra leone and loved every minute of it. Everyone was friendly and helpful, and the beaches were the best I have ever experienced. Yes, it presents a few more challenges than a vacation in Europe for example, but it also offers a lot more in terms of life enhancing experiences as well.
Fantastic news, these are the improvements that will inspire us to go back home and be part of such a dynamic country. Keep up the good work, we will keep praying for our beautifull land that we love.
Frederick said...Iam glad salon is geting great and awesome thanks for the update i cant wait to go back home since i left there in 2005 for the united states,but anyway lets all pray for our beloved salon things will be better soon i cant wait to go back home soon to witness the development again thank for the upgrade.
Very interesting blog. Would love to see some pictures if you're able.
My 2010 Reflections on Sierra Leone.
FEELING GOOD ABOUT SIERRA LEONE
by Ronald Andrew Lisk-Carew
FRIDAY, 14 MAY 2010
This is another honest account of my latest SaLone visit (April –May 2010). It was a nice experience, especially pleased about the important progress in electricity supply since the election of President Ernest Bai Koroma in 2007. Yes, this time I am more optimistic about Sierra Leone. There has been significant improvement in some other areas. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) with Abdul Tejan-Cole at its head is well thought of by most citizens.
There are clear signs showing that things are improving in Sierra Leone. I am particularly proud about the biggest change since 2007. People talked excitedly about the Bumbuna electrification project, as they say, little can be done without regular electricity. There are lingering problems like not enough prepaid electric meters. This says, the new Bai Koroma government must be commended for this achievement.
Concern over security is the main issue people commented about and sadly, there is still disquiet that the legal profession aid corruption in Sierra Leone. This bad news and important issue in the fight against corruption is serious concern over the Judiciary. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) must do something about the public employees still criminally asking for bribes to carry out their public duties and/or to bypass laws and regulations. This shocking issue must be handled without fear or favour.
Government must make it an urgent priority to regulate the legal profession, many of whom are known to aid corruption in Sierra Leone. There is definite evidence of complicity between criminals and some members of the legal profession. With appropriate action, there will be greater hope for Sierra Leone.
Malaria and air pollution is still chocking Freetown. That means many people are experiencing ill health and dying unnecessarily. To help prevent malaria, the media ask people to contact hospitals and health centres for free insecticide treated mosquito bed nets but are put off when they do, told only new mothers are entitled, whilst blocked public drains give rise to breeding of mosquitoes.
Significantly, Sierra Leone needs highly skilled, hard working and dedicated managers. People appreciate the apparent end of the cosy relationship between Customs Officers and Lebanese importers in particular through the efforts of ACC.
The focus now needs to turn to other major national issues, like water supply, and regulation of the legal profession vital for justice to prevail in Sierra Leone. Hopefully, and with a bit of luck, the water supply will be the next big priority issue to be tackled. A clear strategy is needed in the national interest that will appeal to people.
In short, as an objective observer, I feel good about Sierra Leone this time. We can be proud of our country’s limited progress and thank all who are battling against the odds to do a good job, necessary for a bright future for our country and people. To the few pleasant and hard-working public servants I say, well done and keep up the good work.
Not to be a pessimist but how is it that a blanket tax system with no matrix for accountability and no consideration for a persons income can be good for the country?
Free health for pregnant women and infants sounds promising, something given our resources we should definitely be able to afford. It however begs the question of infrastructure, not just brick & mortar but doctors, nurses, pharmacist to properly dispense medicine, medical equipment and so much more. Suffice it to say we have managed so far with nothing so anything that builds on what we have now is more than welcome but it's high time we demanded more of our leaders.
Demanding more of our leaders, global competitiveness, these are things that can not and believe me will not be achieved until we address what is the fundamental issue plaguing not just Sierra Leone but Africa as a whole:
EDUCATION: We have a population that boasts a 92% illiteracy rate. No one will come to invest in a country where the population can’t even read or write except of course the thieves and corrupt foreign business that we already attract who only come to exploit our country's natural resources and people. Corrupt leaders fatten their pockets and send their children abroad while the rest of us are left to suffer. If we want to be competitive globally we must educate our people. Free health care is great but what are we to do about the complete miss use of medicine in Sierra Leon. Mothers think breaking a pill in half makes it a safe dose for a child, we address anti-biotics by their colors and only take the two or three we can afford instead of a full dose, making what ever minor disease we may have had develop a resistance to the drug and much harder to cure. Our problem is education there is no reason why my great grand father and I read the same text book in school. We need a complete overhaul of our current system which was outdated back in the 60ies and still is today. It is hard to fathom that our system of higher education was the first in that region and now all our neighbors have flown past us.
Sierra Leone owes Justice Mary Sey and Abdul Tejan-Cole a great deal in particular for genuine services to our nation. Having experienced an unjust treatment in the hands of disgraced Magistrate Adrian Fisher, I join the many victims who have been denied justice in the courts of Sierra Leone and thank Justice Sey and the Anti-Corruption Commission for their steadfastness.
To restore faith in the justice system, the Anti-Corruption Commission must intensify their investigation and prosecution of absolutely corrupt judges and others, even after the sad loss of Mr Tejan-Cole as head of the Anti-Corruption Commission of our country. It is a great disappointment that after almost two (2) months since the resignation of the ACC Commissioner, His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma has not made a public statement about the resignation.
The Sierra Leone judiciary is in urgent need of capable and impartial Judges like Justice Sey who act without fear or favour, affection or ill will, according to law.
definitely good stuff to know.I have not been to Sierra leone for over 20years but i think is time to pay a visit.
I am really impressed with what the government is doing now. Hope they will complete their projects and not set them as a trap to gain votes for the coming elections.
Regards
John B Marah
Great job, we are seeing signs of improvement in the country due to the government's determination to get things done,we the people of sierra leone should also find ways to contribute to the overall development of our land.
As long as the IMF and the world bank keep Sierra Leone in Debt it will always be in slavery to western corporations and Governments. WATCH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gKX9TWRyfs
Love Sierra leone!
Wonderful people - fantastic country - beautiful beaches.
Celebrating fifty years of independence next year - still lots of potential and reasons to be optimistic.
Love Sierra Leone.
Is there any hope of a Sierra Leone (for now and the future) government considering building proper motorways connecting the following places in the Southern Province...Bo thru Bumpe to Mattru, Bo to Pujehun...Moyamba Junction to Moyamba...? I doubt that very much. Even though such districts are considered to be the breadbaskets of Sierra Leone.
that is the way!!! brilliant ideas flow, we need to do something tangeable. i believe if we all take accountability to Sierra Leone we might be able to do something. may be we need need to ask more questions and charge our leaders with the aim to achieve something positive instead of just for the sake of pulling people down. all those oversea who have been opportuned to acquire some form of education should also initiate to make a difference instead of sabotaging or just making comments with no result. i pray for Sierra Leone. we should begin our education at home and extend it to our educational institutions and to the rest. we can all do it if we focus. peace to all.
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