The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has assured residents of Mattru Jong, Bonthe District and Bo District respectively of government’s commitment to realizing the district’s development priorities as outlined in Sierra Leone’s new Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030.
Speaking over the weekend during the district-level popularization of the MTNDP, done within the Bonthe District Development Coordination Committee (DDCC) meeting and later in Bo District, Minister Barlay emphasized that the administration of President Julius Maada Bio is resolute in its efforts to accelerate development, particularly in Bonthe District.
Stakeholders at both events underscored that no government can succeed without proper planning as they further appealed for peace and unity for development to thrive. The two events took place at the District Council Halls respectively.
The ceremonies marked the third district-level Popularization and Decentralization of Ownership of the Plan following its inaugural launch by President Julius Maada Bio on July 10, 2024, in Moyamba District, under the theme “A Transformative Acceleration Agenda for Food Security, Human Capital Development and Job Creation.”
Stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, MDAs, civil society organizations, council representatives, Paramount Chiefs, nurses, religious leaders, the physically challenged, students, farmers and local leaders, gathered to discuss how Bonthe and Moyamba Districts development goals fit within the broader national framework.
In her keynote address at both events, Minister Barlay expressed gratitude to the people of Bonthe and Bo Districts for their continued support of President Bio’s vision for national development. She reflected on her frequent visits to the districts, where she had conducted feasibility studies to assess local challenges. Minister Barlay praised the human capital of Bonthe and Bo, noting that Bonthe District in particular has produced key national figures, including President Bio himself and the Speaker of Parliament. “The people of Bonthe have always played a crucial role in our nation’s development and this plan reflects the recognition of your potential and the urgent need to address longstanding issues,” she underscored.
The MoPED Minister also reiterated government’s focus on the “Big Five Game Changers,” which underpin the MTNDP and outlined the priorities: Feed Salone, which aims at achieving food security; Human Capital Development, designed to ensure that the population is equipped with skills for the 21st century; a youth employment scheme targeting the creation of 500,000 jobs; increased investment in technology and infrastructure and transforming public service to enhance efficiency.
“The Big Five Game Changers are not just policy directions; they represent the core of our developmental vision for the next six years. Each of these areas will drive Sierra Leone’s progress towards becoming a food-secure nation, with a capable workforce, increased employment opportunities, a thriving economy and a public sector that delivers efficiently for all,” she reiterated.
Minister Barlay also emphasized the significance of local ownership of the plan noting, “This is a plan for the people and by the people. We need every stakeholder, from local councils to civil society, to own and lead its implementation.”
The Minister also addressed critical issues concerning infrastructure in the two Districts, including the completion of the main road to Mattru Jong and improvements to ferry services and encouraged the residents to remain patient assuring them that these issues were prioritized in the recent budget discussions.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Paramount Chief Abu Bakarr Sheriff of Mattru Jong echoed the Minister’s sentiments, urging the people of Bonthe to take ownership of the Feed Salone initiative and highlighted the government’s efforts to provide machinery, irrigation and infrastructure to boost local agricultural productivity. “It is our responsibility to complement the government’s efforts. We have a natural advantage with Torma Bum- the largest rice ecology in the country and we must use it to support national agricultural development,” the Chief remarked.
Joseph Moiwo, representing civil society organizations in the district, commended the MoPED for demonstrating transparency and accountability in bringing the development plan closer to the people. “Popularizing this plan shows the government’s genuine commitment to inclusive development,” he said, calling on all citizens to actively support the Big Five Game Changers, particularly the Feed Salone program.
Honourable Alusine Bash Kamara, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Development and Planning Committee, praised MoPED for its leadership in decentralizing the development process. “Parliament is fully behind this plan and we are committed to passing all necessary legislation to support its implementation. The people of Bonthe and Bo Districts can count on our support,” he affirmed.
Issa M’briwa, from MoPED, also presented the Induced Development and Resettlement Program, explaining how the government plans to ensure that those affected by development projects, such as mining and agriculture, receive fair compensation.
The administrative head of the Bonthe District Council, Dauda Moywo, alongside Deputy Municipal Mayor Jonathan Vandy Turay, expressed their gratitude to President Bio and Minister Barlay for including Bonthe in the early stages of the plan’s popularization. They further urged the government to prioritize key issues such as road networks, electricity, university access and the cost of transportation, particularly ferry services to the island.
The people of Bonthe and Bo Districts registered their commitment to promoting the MTNDP and called for robust action plans to ensure the districts lead in implementing the Feed Salone program.
In Bo District, the host Paramount Chief and the Bo District Council Chairman highlighted mechanized farming, loans for farmers, improved healthcare and road network, reliable electricity, micro-credit for women, ferries, skills training centres and tangible developments.
Highlights of the engagements with the people in the two Districts were distribution of souvenir items like bags and cups and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030.
