Sierra Eye: European Union Gives Le 17Billion for Road Maintenance

The Head of the European Commission in Sierra Leone, Hans Allden has disclosed that improvement of the road and transport sector in Sierra Leone is their primary focus. This, he said, will enable the country to involve in trading systems in Europe. The Head of Delegation was speaking at a signing ceremony between the EU and Government, for the up-grading of the Songo-Moyamba road, held at the conference room of the ministry of development and economic planning. We want to see a quality work within the agreed time frame. We are ready to provide technical and other assistance required the EU Head said. The minister of works and technical maintenance, Dr. Caesar Boima said the project is part of actualizing his ministry's mission statement of ensuring reaching all part of the country. The minister advised that the mabang bridge be given a high concentration so as to prevent much accidents and difficulties faced by drivers will stop. The road must be made well and much more liable so that it will not be destroyed when the rains come, Dr. Boima said, hoping that the contractor should employ youths to gain income that will sustain them, and assured that the project will be completed within the agreed time. The minister of development and economic planning, M.B Daramy said the upgrading of the road is part of governments support to the people of Moyamba whose dream have been realized. The contract, he said, is a small one supported by the EU to the tune of Le 17,880,000,000 (seventeen billion eight hundred and eighty million Leones) which is about five million Euro. He warned that the contractors and supervisors be very careful, and to ensure they make use of local materials. Earlier, the Development Secretary, Kona Koroma who chaired the ceremony said the up-grading of the road will help reduce the constrains in poverty reduction and help to achieve food security. The contract was awarded to BAO hinted.