By Alpha Abu
At a media briefing hosted by the European Union (EU), the Head of delegation to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Manuel A. Muller says they remain a reliable partner of the government, civil society, the media and people of Sierra Leone.
Flanked by the Irish Ambassador Aidan Fritzpatrick and German Ambassador Jean Kraus-Masse’, at the Country Lodge, Freetown on Tuesday 16th April, Muller spoke about the EU’s continued support to the country’s inclusive and sustainable development growth, and efforts for peace and stability.
He said as a long standing partner, the EU will continue to contribute in creating a better society and will support the government’s Big Five Agenda.
Together with Fritzpatrick and Kraus-Masse’, exhaustive insights were given on the numerous projects being undertaken by the EU across Sierra Leone and impending projects being planned.
Reference was made about the Global Gateway activities and a 50 million Euro initiative the EU has mapped out for 32 Countries (including Sierra Leone) in 5 regions that they say will be the biggest efforts to date, by the union, to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
They spoke about EU support to communities close to protected areas upcountry in a bid to help maintain biodiversity, and the soon to be commissioned 50 stores at the Kambia Lorry Park including those for grains geared toward empowering women through agriculture.
A run- down of the EU’s cooperation activities in the country was issued detailing projects spanning mostly the period 2021-2027 with an initial funding of 245 Million Euros.
They highlighted support directed at good governance, education, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, environmental protection, and transformational energy access with focus on rural electrification using renewable energy, infrastructure development.
For the provision of 7 million Euros to cover the period 2022-2025 it was stated that “the international Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) will enhance the integrity and effectiveness of future elections and public confidence in the electoral process. The programme will support electoral reforms and the implementation of EU election observation recommendation’’.
For jobs and growth between 2020-2026, it’s stated that a 12 million Euro investment facility is being set up with national banks and microfinance entities to provide concessional loans.
The EU’s interventions in value chain development, skills development, and support in the form of grants to five district councils namely- Port Loko City and District Councils, Kenema City Council, Kailahun District Council and the Western Area Rural Council, got highlighted as well.
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