Dr. Kefala Marah connects two chiefdoms with 60km road in Koinadugu
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development may not be a filthy rich man, but his courage and passion for development has brought about a great blessing not only in governance but in his native land where he is putting his little resources together to effect a positive transformation. Report reaching this reporter states that Dr. Kefala Marah has facilitated the construction of a 60 kilometer road which starts from Bilmaia Town to Yira Filaia Village in the Koinadugu District.
Report states that before now the road used to be a terrible one, thereby causing drivers to spend two or three days to transport passengers and goods. Most economic and other development activities, according to report would normally come to a halt during the rainy season as a result of heavy flooding caused by swamps and streets. The fragile bridges made up of palm tree trunks could not save the situation; and this warranted the intervention of the Finance Minister, who deemed it necessary to open the way for touristic and other economic activities to be tapped.
The road has connected Shengbe to other Chiefdoms and has brought about a great interest from government to take services like health, education, water supply and other necessities to those communities that have been deprived for decades.
Monday 22nd April 2014 will never be forgotten by the people of Koinadugu District as they had in their company families, friends and well-wishers from other cities, districts, towns and village who witnessed the celebration of the Easter Holiday at a the Badala Beach, Yira Filaia Village in Koinadugu District, which has not received such an opportunity long ago.
“What spurred me to do the road was in response to His Excellency President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma’s call to develop the infrastructure,” says Dr. Marah in an interview on the new road. He was very much excited to see the opening of a new road that was inaccessible. Though he did not name the amount involved in the entire project, the Finance Minister was grateful to be a Good Samaritan that put aside some amount from his gratuity at the Commonwealth, which he used to purchase two brand new machines to do the road together with the help of friends who provided logistical and other support.
The construction of the road, he said will now provide an opportunity to boost agriculture produce and ensure that goods that were taken to Guinea for sale will now be brought in Kabala Town and other parts of Sierra Leone.
Dr. Marah who had in his company the Minister of Water Resources, Momodu Maligie and the Minister of Tourism Peter B. Conteh recalled in 2004 when he visited his village. He revealed that it took him two hours on the road and transport fare by then was Le20,000 for about a 15 kilometers stretch. He noted that transport fares to various towns and villages have drastically reduced, and vehicles and motor bikes using the road can now last longer.
“I am thankful to the President for his foresightedness and as long as I have more opportunities more development activities will come,” he said.
Mohamed Jabbie of the Sierra Leone Motor Drivers and General Transport Owners Union said the new road will not only prolong the lives of vehicles, but also will reduce road crashes that had been the order of the day costing lives and properties.
Other major stakeholders like Okada riders, village and town residents including women, expressed nice sentiments about the Finance Minister and promised that they will use the road safely. They called on Government to intervene by ensuring that the road is tarred so that it brings in more development.
Popular Comedians, Sara D Great, General Mammie, Kosombo, Mumu, Manager Hard Water and others thrilled thousands of people (including tourists) after an officially ceremony to commission the road.
Abu Bakarr Kargbo
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2014, https:. All rights reserved.
