By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
As stakeholders converged to inaugurate the new Medium-Term National Development Plan, President Julius Maada Bio has called on Public Servants and Politicians to have the same synergy and alignment across all levels of Government.
The President whilst launching the Plan in Freetown last week noted that public servants and politicians must work in unison towards the common goal of improving the quality of life of the people. He said that the government is dedicated to promoting unity and collaboration through the new National Development Plan.
He highlighted that the Plan is key to building confidence among citizens and essential for attracting and fostering investments that drive the nation's growth and development. He said that the government strives for predictability and seamless communication, free from the constraints of personal egos, to guide the nation along a path of development, peace and prosperity.
President Bio acknowledged the importance of innovative financing in overcoming infrastructure challenges as they embark on the transformative journey to find creative solutions and build strategic partnerships with various allies to achieve this goal.
“Our mission is to transform areas of economic challenge into havens of economic opportunity,” he said.
He noted that as the government implements development aspirations, it is crucial to emphasize the vital role of peace and unity which he said applies not just to personal and public lives but also to the collaboration and harmony among the different branches and agencies of government. He called for a synergistic collaboration that encompasses both top-down and bottom-up approaches, fostering cohesion across institutions and between the public and private sectors which he said is the cornerstone of government strategy.
The President affirmed that every master plan, every initiative and every process must align with the overarching goal of ensuring that their collective efforts resonate with unity and purpose. He also said that a well-thought-out National Development Plan serves as the backbone of the society in ensuring that the people’s aspirations are not only heard but also meticulously addressed.
“In this new Medium-Term National Development Plan, we have been holistic and inclusive, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed,” he said.
He reiterated that the Plan brings together a variety of viewpoints, all coexisting in harmony, each playing a role in fostering progress and sparking innovation. He said democracy thrives only when supported by real development, which is the foundation for freedom, equality, and prosperity.
President Bio pointed out that the government recognizes that the path to development is paved with challenges, and it is everyone’s resolve to face these challenges head-on, guided by the principles of equity, justice and sustainability. He recognized that the National Development Plan should empower and liberate the people and not constrain them.
He emphasized that the government’s goal is to dismantle barriers, enabling visionaries to envision boundless futures, creators to innovate freely, and citizens to thrive unimpeded. He said government is driven by a deep-seated belief in the extraordinary potential of the people to rise above adversity and transform the world around them.
Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan is the most fundamental pathway to achieving middle-income status and sustainable development for the country in the not too distant future.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (05/02/24)
