By Mohamed Vandi in Kenema
The Mayor of Kenema has in his inaugural speech at the first Council Meeting on Friday, 11January vowed to foster development in the city. Joseph Samba Keifala promised to see Kenema as a city of peace, and religious tolerance, a well-planned city with motor vehicle roads leading to every house; a city with pure drinking water, recreational facilities, industries, trade and commerce and a clean city with electricity, safe transportation and controlled street trading. He said that for decades Kenema had been described as a “hanging eyesore”, a description he hoped to put behind with the cooperation of the public. The Mayor said his leadership would follow the era of the New Direction as propounded by the opposition SLPP which he said would make him a servant of his people and unite the people of Kenema so that generation unborn would remember him. He said that his administration would focus on developing the city and its institutions without forgetting those who voted for them. He called on all politicians to help convert his intention into deeds, adding that they should not allow their political rivalries to scupper their aim. He pleaded with his people to commit themselves to a new page, choose sacrifice and provide for the city the way a parent provides for their children. He said the councillors were as important as the “infantry is to the military platoon” and requested them to support his developmental dreams for the city. He recognized the role played by the SLPP to have him as Mayor of the city, assuring his members of continued support and good delivery in his leadership. The mayor also pleaded with the forces to maintain independence in their operations and not only to be heard as a force for good but to be seen to be so.
