Minister Barlay Promotes MTNDP in Bonthe and Bo Districts

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the development priorities of Mattru Jong, Bonthe District, and Bo District as part of Sierra Leone’s new Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030. Speaking over the weekend during the district-level popularization of the MTNDP, which took place in meetings of the Bonthe District Development Coordination Committee (DDCC), Minister Barlay emphasized the administration’s dedication to accelerating development, particularly in Bonthe District.

Both events were attended by various stakeholders, who underscored that no government can succeed without effective planning. They also called for peace and unity to facilitate development. The ceremonies marked the third district-level popularization of the MTNDP, following its inaugural launch by President Bio on July 10, 2024, in Moyamba District. The theme for the launch was “A Transformative Acceleration Agenda for Food Security, Human Capital Development, and Job Creation.”

Stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, council representatives, Paramount Chiefs, nurses, religious leaders, the physically challenged, students, farmers, and local leaders, convened to discuss how the development goals of Bonthe and Moyamba fit within the broader national framework.

In her keynote address, Minister Barlay expressed gratitude to the residents of Bonthe and Bo for their ongoing support of President Bio’s vision for national development. She reflected on her frequent visits to the districts, where she conducted feasibility studies to assess local challenges. Minister Barlay praised the human capital of both districts, highlighting that Bonthe has produced key national figures, including President Bio and the Speaker of Parliament. “The people of Bonthe have always played a crucial role in our nation’s development, and this plan reflects the recognition of your potential and the urgent need to address longstanding issues,” she underscored.

The MoPED Minister reiterated the government’s focus on the “Big Five Game Changers”, which form the foundation of the MTNDP. These priorities include:

1. Feed Salone: Aiming for food security.
2. Human Capital Development: Ensuring the population is equipped with 21st-century skills.
3. Youth Employment Scheme: Targeting the creation of 500,000 jobs.
4. Increased Investment: Focusing on technology and infrastructure.
5. Public Service Transformation: Enhancing efficiency in government services.

“The Big Five Game Changers are not just policy directions; they represent the core of our developmental vision for the next six years. Each of these areas will drive Sierra Leone’s progress toward becoming a food-secure nation, with a capable workforce, increased employment opportunities, and a public sector that delivers efficiently for all,” she reiterated.

Minister Barlay emphasized the importance of local ownership of the MTNDP, stating, “This is a plan for the people and by the people. We need every stakeholder, from local councils to civil society, to own and lead its implementation.” She addressed critical infrastructure issues, including the completion of the main road to Mattru Jong and improvements to ferry services, assuring residents that these concerns were prioritized in recent budget discussions.

During his welcome remarks, Paramount Chief Abu Bakarr Sheriff of Mattru Jong echoed the Minister’s sentiments, urging residents to embrace the Feed Salone initiative. He highlighted government efforts to provide machinery, irrigation, and infrastructure to enhance local agricultural productivity. “We have a natural advantage with Torma Bum—the largest rice ecology in the country—and we must leverage it to support national agricultural development,” he remarked.

Joseph Moiwo, representing civil society organizations, commended MoPED for its transparency and accountability in bringing the development plan closer to the people. “Popularizing this plan shows the government’s genuine commitment to inclusive development,” he said, encouraging citizens to actively support the Big Five Game Changers, especially the Feed Salone program.

Honourable Alusine Bash Kamara, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Development and Planning Committee, praised MoPED for decentralizing the development process. “Parliament fully supports this plan and is committed to passing all necessary legislation for its implementation. The people of Bonthe and Bo Districts can count on our support,” he affirmed.

Issa M’briwa from MoPED presented the Induced Development and Resettlement Program, explaining how the government plans to ensure fair compensation for those affected by development projects, such as mining and agriculture.

The administrative head of the Bonthe District Council, Dauda Moywo, along with Deputy Municipal Mayor Jonathan Vandy Turay, expressed gratitude to President Bio and Minister Barlay for including Bonthe in the early stages of the plan’s popularization. They urged the government to prioritize key issues like road networks, electricity access, university enrollment, and transportation costs, particularly regarding ferry services to the island.

Residents of Bonthe and Bo Districts registered their commitment to promoting the MTNDP, calling for robust action plans to ensure they lead in implementing the Feed Salone program. In Bo District, local leaders highlighted the need for mechanized farming, loans for farmers, improved healthcare, reliable electricity, micro-credit for women, ferries, skills training centers, and tangible development initiatives.

The engagements in both districts included the distribution of souvenirs, such as bags and cups, along with copies of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024–2030, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among the attendees.