Kono, a rich land in dismal poverty

My last but one trip to Kono was prior to the 2008 local council elections. Then, I was with Awoko newspaper; the paper had a system in place, and may be the only paper doing that, to send reporters across the country to look at issues, interview people on a number of issues. And so, the Management of the paper had asked me to go and talk to all the aspirant candidates for the Mayor ship of the Kono city.  I recall interviewing one Mr. Foe  of the PMDC then and one Lawrence Kamithy who was representing the interest of the main opposition SLPP.  I was unable to interview the APC candidate for the mayor ship and it was not my making, it should be noted.

From the interviews I had with the two people I stated above, it became apparent then that they had good plans for the city of Kono and I was with the impression that the APC candidate, now the Mayor, also had similar plans for the city. They had plans to develop the city especially in terms of infrastructure, and especially the road network.  And so when I visited the city last week, I had the view  that things had changed, as compared to the way I left the township, both in terms of development and otherwise, but alas!

When I came back to the office (Awoko) I was asked to do a travelogue and in short, I wrote that Kono is a rich land of poor people, and from what I saw during my 48 hours stay in the township, I am still with the same view that, Kono is indeed a rich of poor people. Much has not changed as far as my memory could serve me, and I am attempting to look at some areas, taking into consideration the issue of town mining, poor road network and the aspect of youth unemployment among others.

Success in communicating

In the first place, I must state that I am impressed with the changes currently taking place as far as the aspect of communicating to and with the people could go in Kono. In governance, it is but a realty that the aspect of communication is relevant and so when I visited the district and realize that the gap that once existed in terms of informing the people on what government is doing, is at least being improved upon. And this is where I will always commend the current Minister of Information and Communication, Alhaji IB Kargbo.  This was a serious problem of the past SLPP led government. President Kabbah and his team of political players did their best in bringing about institutional reforms in the country, which is key to governance and democracy. However, they were not talking to and with the people, and it was a major challenge for them and I think the APC led government of President Koroma was able to learn from that mistake.

Little was known about what President Kabbah and his Ministers were doing; they hardly would come in the open to propagate their efforts and so when elections came, their poor communication ability led to a disastrous effect on them.  But today, with IB Kargbo as Information Minister, things have changed rapidly, with all the SLBS radio stations have support, however little it be. This is the typical case with the SLBS radio in Kono.  I met one Seneh Thoronka as radio Manager for SLBSS Kono and this is a fellow I came to know when he was in Freetown at the SLBS. However, it is but prudent that the government gives more support to all its radio stations.  Things are not as good as we expect for a station like SLBS Kono. They definitely need proper means of transportation and more studio equipment.

I wanted to use a cool edit or Adobe, to edit a radio programme we had on SSLBS Kono, just like the one in Makeni but none of these editing systems were in place. They definitely should be equipped so as to be able to meet the challenges of modern day media and journalism. 

Bad roads

This is the most terrible aspect that I came across when I visited Kono again, after almost a year, and with the hope that at least, some improvement may have taken place . The roads leading to Kono are terrible, just too terrible and I think, it is unacceptable for the people in Kono to be treated that way. I have my reasons for stating so; the Vice President Sam Sumana is from Kono, so also is the First and Second Ladies of the country; so, one would expect that Kono should be a priority to this government.

Take this as a case study; when Momoh was in power, the people of Binkolo expected a lot from him, but he could not perform and so even when he died after leaving power, there was  nothing that could be shown as the handiwork of Momoh for the people of Safroko.  Had it not been for the fact that the average Limbaman, just like the Mendeman for his SLPP, will find it difficult to abandon his traditional APC party, other than, the APC was not going to make impact in Safroko, when the deeds of Momoh are taken into perspective.

Kono is a rich land in abject poverty; it has minerals, producing the highest diamonds for the country, but there is nothing to show for this. Coupled with the ongoing town mining in the city of Kono, the township is still struggling to overcome the effect of a decade long civil war that adversely affected Kono, both in terms of infrastructure and human resource.

I think Sam Sumana should take the bull by the horn and go the extra mile to impress his people that it was no mistake that they voted for the APC. Mark, it is relevant to note that Kono was, until the Presidential and Parliamentary elections of 2007, a stronghold of the now opposition SLPP. And the ruling party should not be taken by surprise if the people decide otherwise come 2012.  There is less to talk of, when it comes to youth unemployment; prostitution is a norm (don’t ask me how I came to know that; go to the night clubs and see what I am talking of)

One can understand what it involves in even constructing a kilometer long road, but I am of the view that those political elites from Kono, now enjoying in the present political administration should be seen doing their best in meeting the expectations of the people.

APC should take note

As a matter of fact, I never travelled with Hon Ernest Korma to Kono when he was campaigning. I remember travelling with him to Bo, Kenema, Port Loko and other areas and I still know what he used to tell the people. And I guess what he was telling people in all the areas I went with him, used to be what he was also telling the average man in Kono

He is a man with good plans for this country. He has a strong commitment but it is high time those around him gave him the fullest support if they are to be in political longevity. And the APC must take note. The Konoman is not like the Limbaman for his APC or the Mendeman for his SLPP. Kono is too big to be ignored, this the Vice President must know. The success of Sam Sumana will be judged based on what he does now for his people. Other than that, I am afraid; history will not be in his favor.

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!

---

© 2009, https:. All rights reserved.