Open letter to the people of Kabala
SUBJECT: THERE IS TOURIST POTENTIAL AT KABALA, HOW CAN WE DEVELOP IT FURTHER?
A couple of weeks ago, I made an appeal to H.E. the President, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma for a review of Presidential decision to locate a new airport at Mamamah (see Sierra Express Media, Premier News, Awareness Times etc., of 19/01/13 thereabouts).
Some sceptics frowned at my letter that my appeal to relocate the new airport to between Bo and Kenema was motivated by regional sentiment, as I hail from the South. But interestingly, I have maternal links in the North as well and so have no reason to be biased. My assessment of national issues therefore always tends towards an honest and professional assessment of the situation on the ground and not against a weak argument of ethnicity or regional influence.
Also of importance is that, I have over the years observed that newspapers in Sierra Leone spend a lot of their time and space on political stories at the detriment of other national issues. Granted that politics is important in a small country like Sierra Leone, yet we should not lose track of the fact that it is the state of the economy after all that makes powerful politicians. The world renowned politicians like Barrack Obama, Angela Merkel, Alhassan Ouattara etc., have always ensured that their economic policies take account of the developmental needs of the people they claim to serve. The newspapers in return place major emphasis on those issues, projects and policies that would change the lives of the people. Albeit such admonitions on several talk shows, still in Sierra Leone, newspapers have not routinely hailed the works of indigenous Architects, Engineers, Doctors and in general Academics, except in paid up publicity reportages.
How do we intend for the country to acknowledge the work of the likes of engineer brains like Tanny Pratt, who made Sierra Rutile or African Minerals tick and who produced the bulk of the GDP of the country? Will the young and future generation emulate eminent scientists like Dr Davidson Nicol, Dr Yembeh Mansaray, professional Engineers like Samuel Leigh etc., if nothing is known of their input to national development? Therefore, newspapers and the public need to refocus some space to cover issues that improve on the standards of the people and on those role models who made them happen, instead of two journalists fighting over writing skills and letting the public pay for it.
Let me now come to the main subject of my letter. Against this background of impartiality in developmental needs, Please allow me to use your newspaper to talk to the Paramount Chiefs of Kabala and the people.
As a civil engineering specialist, I am fascinated by what we are doing all over the country in transforming the lives of our people and making life easier, and thereby improving on living standards. This can hinge on infrastructural projects, safety standards, environmental pollution, traffic control measures and even quality of buildings and work environments in which people work. The list is endless and vast. I intend to visit all corners of the country every time I have the opportunity and make my views known. After all why should it be only foreigners who are tourists in my country?
I happened to have been among the determined tourists to visit Kabala over the New Year’s Day celebration. Since one year back, friends hailing from Kabala have stressed that the experience of the annual climbing of the Wara Wara Mountains was an event not to be missed. In fact some went on to say that it is rejuvenating, whilst others said it brings good luck throughout the year. Still others said that it has some healing powers for whatever illness you have. These are all good points in themselves, enough to convince a one to go to Kabala. I was therefore honoured and a bit surprised to hear that the head of State, HE the President and the honourable Dr Kelfala Marrah and other dignitaries were also there for some important State matters, I guess. State matters were combined with a desire to want to have the experience of the mountain climbing.
On New Year’s Day, very early we packed our bags with food, drinks, and water. With Mr Balla, a native of Kabala as my guide, we trekked up the mountain. It took the best part of the hour, using the longer of the two routes to get to the top. On the way, there were words of encouragement from other climbers. You could see children of all ages and adults as well, all with the one objective of climbing to the top. Though tough, we finally made it up panting and gasping for breath, proud to be at the top. After spending the whole afternoon with friends, taking photos from a vantage point where we can see the town of Kabala below and the fine and cool Kabala breeze blowing, we were convinced that it was time to go back down. I tried to remember the reasons for climbing the hill in the first place. I decided to put this in prayer while up there. My health should be restored, have plenty luck throughout the year and have long life, in Jesus name. I believe that my prayers will be answered, because I did them up the sacred hills.
On the return downhill to town, we stopped halfway to regain our breath, because you really have to have the stamina to do this in one continuous descent. In fact if we used the steeper of the two descents, you will reach faster, but probably in a different condition. I have promised myself to try this second route at another time.
My host, decided we should go where the Presidential entourage was, another spot called Alhaji Mercy, Love Garden or Alimamy Barlay’s Garden. It was while on the way that things changed. With so many people wanting to see the President, there was brisk business for Okada riders. They moved at the fastest speeds to ensure they transport the maximum number of passengers. This day was not going to come again in a long time, they assumed. Unfortunately, towards 1800hrs, at a point one kilometre from the scenic spot, disaster struck. One Okada driver with two passengers was trying to overtake a vehicle. In the process, he ran into an oncoming Okada head-on. All on the two bikes fell and upon inspection there were two fatalities, including one of the riders. Oh our God, why? These tourists had come from the nearby village and completed the day’s visits and were returning home, all excited to meet family, but this did not happen as they were never to see their families again. That evening, all Kabala was in mourning for these two as the news spread.
The next day, we visited the home of one of the dead and sympathised with the family in the traditional manner by giving some money. This was greatly appreciated by the family as it was coming from a stranger to the town (my first visit to Kabala) and to the family. At this funeral, I had the chance to meet other leaders and community stakeholders like SS Marah, journalist and the minister. I heard that the populace were outraged and planned to ban these festivities on the second site (Love Garden) as a way of showing their disgruntlement. The youths believe that there should be only one annual event at the one location up the Wara Wara Mountain. This accident made me think about the implications to the annual event in Kabala and the impact on tourism.
My take is different and I would like the Kabala people to know why, this including the honourable Paramount Chiefs, PC Gbawuru Mansaray III of Wara Wara Yagala and PC Allie Ballah Sama Marah II of Sengbeh Chiefdom. I address the two chiefs because of the peculiarity of Kabala town. The two chiefdoms pass through the town and both PCs have opted to live in Kabala, one on either side separated by just a 10 minute drive. Decisions affecting the town have to be jointly taken.
Let’s analyse the principal circumstances of the accident and the proposed solutions as follows:
- Poor traffic control measures. Before the feast day, Kabala Police should be fully mobilised not only to receive VIPs but also the large influx of tourists. This is a major cultural, repetitive and an income generating event and it must be treated as such. The police should stay on duty till the next day, taking shifts if possible.
- Constricted Road Condition. With the population doubled in the town, the number of pedestrians on the side of the road increased multiple folds. The roads are narrow and bushy on the sides, and it could be seen that no brushing had taken place in anticipation of the increased crowds. Pedestrians were therefore forced onto the roads, making it even narrower for the drivers. The roads were beyond their design capacity for traffic. If the shoulders had been brushed effectively, pedestrians could use this part and avoid clashing with vehicles.
- Lack of Speed Control. Motorbikes were out in their hundreds and there were no controls in place. There were no speed bumps, police barriers, or traffic wardens as it got dark. The roads were free for all, and you know what that means for Okada drivers. Coupled with the holiday season and influence of alcohol and drugs, there was danger all over the place. The organisers should have planned on crowd control measures, in concert with the appropriate authorities like the Traffic Police, the paramedics and radio talk shows.
- Overloads. Bikers were taking double or triple their normal loads and speeding. The bikes lose their control more easily when the conditions change so drastically. On such holidays, overloading should be completely discouraged by having buses available from city council or other private arrangements.
I am convinced that if in the future these points are taken into consideration, there will be improved security and safety and a more problem free outing for all.
At this point, I should also add that Kabala will do better by having this outing twice a year, well planned and publicised. If there is going to be a way for the residents to improve on sales and justify further investments in hotels and guest houses, Kabala has to consider all classes of tourists.
Firstly, the proposed project to build steps up to the mountain so all can climb will involve millions of dollars of tax-payers or investor money. Surely, not all can climb the mountain, but they would like to experience winter winds in Sierra Leone when temperatures drop to near zero. They would also love to drink ‘Manono’ Kabala style.
Secondly, increasing the number of sites, the frequency of the outings and other attraction is thus a better idea to create employment and sustain businesses.
Finally, some of the youths opposed payment of 1,000 Leones on the grounds that it had never been so and that was not in the tradition. Others did not mind the small fee though.
But I say to Kabala, ‘The times, they are changing’. For sustainability, the fees should be used to provide better services to the tourists, like live bands, roasted sautéed meat, peppered soup in local goat meat etc. With these, I will go to Kabala again and love it.
I hope my penny’s work contributes to improved tourism in Kabala and on my next visit, I can hope to see more young men working at hotels, guest houses and restaurants.
Sincerely, Francis H. Lahai, Professional Civil Engineer. Tel:033 666900, 078 781396.Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
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