Finance Minister on Massive Road Construction in Koinadugu

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Kaifala Marah has intensified road construction and rehabilitation in Koinadugu so in order to open up the district to economic and other development activities. (Photo: Dr. Kaifala Marah and wife Mrs. Josephine Marah)

Using 70% of his Commonwealth gratuity is something that Sierra Leoneans and other well-wishers have acclaimed and described as one of the biggest road projects in the history of that a single government official has undertaken.

The road from Kabala Town linking his native home, Bambokoro Village, Badela Yira Filaia, Yiraya Village etc. has opened up several livelihood opportunities for business people and other travellers.

“I did it for God, my country and to set out what President Koroma has taken up as a venture across the country,” says Dr. Marah during an inspection tour over the weekend. Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Josephine Marah, the Prominent son of the soil together with his entourage were received with drumming and dancing by the people, who saw him as a competent servant of President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma that his following his footsteps to redeem his people from economic hardship.

“To him much is given much is expected. It is good that I use my personal resources to open up communities,” he said. Dr. Marah commended friends and other well-wishers that have been supporting the project with fuel to do the technical work. He admonished the people to add value to the road by taking ownership of the construction work so that the project will be sustained.

A Mechanical Engineer, Mustapha Fofanah said since the project started in December 2012 with two machines about a hundred kilometre roads have so far been constructed and graded, including some feeder roads in Kabala Town.

He said the terrible road from Kabala to Yiraya was a no-go area for vehicles and it was serving as a death-trap for those taking the risk. He named the road leading to Koinadugu Village and Baworor Community, which used to serve as dangerous areas for vehicles, pedestrians and bike riders. Engineer Fofanah pledged his fullest commitment to ensure that the project is completed.

Honourable Paramount Chief Alie Balasama Marah of Sengbe Chiefdom, whose Chiefdom has benefited a lot from the road work, said it takes a man to embark on such a project that will take development to Koinadugu District. The road, he said will enable farmers to take their good to the market. “WE are happy that our own brother took up an venture that would have cost government a lot. We can now use our cars to access other chiefdoms and communities,” he said, and added that it has further ease access to touristic areas like the Loma Mountain and will contribute to the improvement to basic social and economic services.

Kadiatu Kargbo a native of Badela Yira Filaia Village said before now they used to pay about Le50, 000 to travel on a motor bike to their village. Now that the road is been constructed, Kadiatu is happy to see other vehicles now accessing her village. “We now pay Le10, 000 to come to our village,” she said.

Sayoh Sesay said the new road has reduced the number of road accidents involving mostly motor bikes. “We are confidently travelling to Kabala Town no fear or risk of losing our lives along the way,” Sesay told newsmen.

Alhaji Batoma Sheriff and the Chairman for APC in Koinadugu District, Dr. Fasineh Samura expressed nice sentiments on the work done by Dr. Marah and urged that other Sierra Leoneans replicate the same in their native homes.

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