By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
As part of his commitment, Minister of Transport and Aviation (MTA), Alhaji Fanday Turay after signing his performance contract, promised to improve domestic revenue generation for the ministry and its agencies to the tune of 1.5 million dollars and ensure compliance with budgetary level and its regulations by 85%.
Minister Turay indicated during the signing that based upon the availability of resources, the ministry seeks to either implement or oversee the implementation of the Sierra Leone Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project (IRUMP) to improve access to quality public transport system. He also aims to address climate resilience and improve road safety in selected areas and enhance institutional capacity in the transport sector.
He also said that the ministry will oversee the expansion project of Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal Berth to accommodate bigger and more vessels at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay for the cost of 50 million dollars. He added that the ministry will supervise the rehabilitation of the Tagrin Ferry terminal project to improve port infrastructure, for the cost of 3 million dollars and the construction of new Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) Administrative Building at Cline Town for the cost of 14 million dollars.
The specific contributions of the Ministry during 2024 are described in the form of outputs that the Ministry aims to achieve by December of this year, he said.
Detailing the specific outcome to which the ministry will contribute to the long-term development of Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio during the signing ceremony emphasized that he expected an increased state revenue and infrastructure from improved safe road and river transportation and related activities.
He also expected improved port infrastructure, improved provision of basic transportation in rural and urban areas, safe airport operations, reduced traffic congestion in Freetown and other parts of the country, among other expectations.
However, for the 2024 calendar year, President Bio wants the Transport Ministry to prioritize the modernization of urban transit system with safe, modern and physically challenged friendly bus systems. He also wants the ministry to create Maritime jobs through increasing the number of Sierra Leoneans at sea in all vessels flying the country’s flag.
He expects the ministry to ensure that other modes of transport within Freetown and the Western Area are explored through the construction of jetties and ferry terminals at strategic locations for commercial ferry and boat transportation. He also wants the ministry to re-introduce the national railway explored through various approaches.
The performance contract is to ensure Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are able to deliver on their mandates and specific obligations.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (29/04/24)
