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Sierra Leone News:Paramount Chiefs Embrace Palm Oil Project
Sierra Leone News:Paramount Chiefs Embrace Palm Oil Project
18/03/2015 (Awoko) - The Paramount Chief of Jong Chief- PC Alie Badara Sheriff III and his colleague Paramount Chief of Sogbini Chiefdom have wholeheartedly embraced the Palm Oil Production Project.
Speaking at a ceremony to hand over contractors and sites for the construction of schools, multi-purpose centres, markets, health centres among goodies on Saturday 7th Match 2015, PC Alie Badara III stated that it’s a very happy day for him and the people of Jong Chiefdom including that of Sogbini to be witnessing the start of development through the Palm Oil Project.
He acknowledged that he sacrificed himself for about 11 years to ensure that the landholding families benefit from the project.
“I would not deviate from the agreement at State House with the Government,” PC Sheirff III stated; adding that the package for the people of the two chiefdoms is now ready to be enjoyed.
He admonished the people of both chiefdoms to forget the past and forge ahead for the development of the communities; adding that anyone who tries to incite the people against the project does not mean good for them.
“I advice that you cooperate with the Government and channel your grievances through the right people,” he urged.
The Project Coordinator of the Palm Oil Production Project, Mr. Alusine Kallon stressed that he is the servant of the people while the Paramount Chiefs are the leaders of the project to succeed.
He disclosed that they would be constructing schools, multipurpose centres, health centres, markets among other things to demonstrate the project’s commitment to the betterment of the communities. Recalling that the project has been in existence since 1970, Mr. Kallon appealed to the host communities to let bygones be what they are and throw their weight behind the Project to achieve the set objectives.
The Presidential Adviser on Agriculture, Dr. Sheku Gibril Kamara informed that throughout their engagement with the local authorities of both Jong and Sogbini Chiefdoms, they have always put the interest of the people first; disclosing that the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has approved all funding for the actual implementation and commencement of the entire project.
“The community would own part of the project through the public/private partnership supported by the Government. The President has bigger plans for Bonthe District so let us allow the project to succeed,” Dr. Kamara stated.
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS) – Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay noted that the IDB had decided against the continuation of the project as a result of the improper management that was in place before 2007.
“The IDB changed their mind in 2007 when the APC government took power to support the project again – even though we had maintained the project before this time,” Dr. Sam Sesay said; adding that the Government does not believe in taking development only to their strongholds but even to so-called opposition grounds.
“The APC does not lie but delivers on its promises to the people. We would enter all opposition areas by spreading development irrespective of politics … There is more in the pipeline for the people of Bonthe District,” the Minister of Agriculture said.
He disclosed that the new Linking Farmers to Market (LFM) project in the district would see the construction of 4 Agriculture Business Centres (ABCs), rehabilitation of 70 kilometres of roads, and Inland Valley Swamps (IVS), provision of 10-tonne trucks to enhance the movement of produce to market.
“We would do more, more and more through the effort and commitment of the President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma,” Dr. Sam Sesay noted while thanking the community for their patience and understanding.
Addressing the Contractors and land owners for the commencement of the various construction works, the Chief of Staff at State House, Saidu Conton Sesay expressed immense thanks and appreciation of the President to the people of Bonthe District for their commitment in the fight against the Ebola disease.
The President he stated has vowed that the Palm Oil Project should succeed “so do not allow a few people to stall this effort.”
He referenced Malaysia’s prosperity to the proper and sustainable management of Palm Oil Plantations- seedlings of which were obtained from Sierra Leone several years back. The Chief of Staff stressed that the people need assurances as much as they should also take responsibility for the successful implementation of the project.
“Do not create unnecessary problems but bring solutions to the issues for a permanent resolution of any disputes … The Chiefs should take full responsibility of the project while liaising with the people for stability and sustenance of this project,” the Chief of Staff emphasised.
Speaking at a ceremony to hand over contractors and sites for the construction of schools, multi-purpose centres, markets, health centres among goodies on Saturday 7th Match 2015, PC Alie Badara III stated that it’s a very happy day for him and the people of Jong Chiefdom including that of Sogbini to be witnessing the start of development through the Palm Oil Project.
He acknowledged that he sacrificed himself for about 11 years to ensure that the landholding families benefit from the project.
“I would not deviate from the agreement at State House with the Government,” PC Sheirff III stated; adding that the package for the people of the two chiefdoms is now ready to be enjoyed.
He admonished the people of both chiefdoms to forget the past and forge ahead for the development of the communities; adding that anyone who tries to incite the people against the project does not mean good for them.
“I advice that you cooperate with the Government and channel your grievances through the right people,” he urged.
The Project Coordinator of the Palm Oil Production Project, Mr. Alusine Kallon stressed that he is the servant of the people while the Paramount Chiefs are the leaders of the project to succeed.
He disclosed that they would be constructing schools, multipurpose centres, health centres, markets among other things to demonstrate the project’s commitment to the betterment of the communities. Recalling that the project has been in existence since 1970, Mr. Kallon appealed to the host communities to let bygones be what they are and throw their weight behind the Project to achieve the set objectives.
The Presidential Adviser on Agriculture, Dr. Sheku Gibril Kamara informed that throughout their engagement with the local authorities of both Jong and Sogbini Chiefdoms, they have always put the interest of the people first; disclosing that the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has approved all funding for the actual implementation and commencement of the entire project.
“The community would own part of the project through the public/private partnership supported by the Government. The President has bigger plans for Bonthe District so let us allow the project to succeed,” Dr. Kamara stated.
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS) – Dr. Joseph Sam Sesay noted that the IDB had decided against the continuation of the project as a result of the improper management that was in place before 2007.
“The IDB changed their mind in 2007 when the APC government took power to support the project again – even though we had maintained the project before this time,” Dr. Sam Sesay said; adding that the Government does not believe in taking development only to their strongholds but even to so-called opposition grounds.
“The APC does not lie but delivers on its promises to the people. We would enter all opposition areas by spreading development irrespective of politics … There is more in the pipeline for the people of Bonthe District,” the Minister of Agriculture said.
He disclosed that the new Linking Farmers to Market (LFM) project in the district would see the construction of 4 Agriculture Business Centres (ABCs), rehabilitation of 70 kilometres of roads, and Inland Valley Swamps (IVS), provision of 10-tonne trucks to enhance the movement of produce to market.
“We would do more, more and more through the effort and commitment of the President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma,” Dr. Sam Sesay noted while thanking the community for their patience and understanding.
Addressing the Contractors and land owners for the commencement of the various construction works, the Chief of Staff at State House, Saidu Conton Sesay expressed immense thanks and appreciation of the President to the people of Bonthe District for their commitment in the fight against the Ebola disease.
The President he stated has vowed that the Palm Oil Project should succeed “so do not allow a few people to stall this effort.”
He referenced Malaysia’s prosperity to the proper and sustainable management of Palm Oil Plantations- seedlings of which were obtained from Sierra Leone several years back. The Chief of Staff stressed that the people need assurances as much as they should also take responsibility for the successful implementation of the project.
“Do not create unnecessary problems but bring solutions to the issues for a permanent resolution of any disputes … The Chiefs should take full responsibility of the project while liaising with the people for stability and sustenance of this project,” the Chief of Staff emphasised.