Government Brings Development Plans Directly to the People

Kambia town was abuzz with excitement between Monday, March 24, and Tuesday, March 25, as the Ministry of Information and Civic Education brought the government closer to the people in a groundbreaking community engagement. The event, themed “Salone Big Pass We All,” fostered a rare mingling of government officials, development partners, and everyday citizens, providing a platform for direct dialogue on national progress and local concerns.

Over the course of two days, an interactive panel engaged with Kambia residents on development aspirations, government plans, and the often-overlooked grassroots issues affecting ordinary citizens. The exchange of information—from top-down and bottom-up—highlighted the people’s long-standing desire for transparency and direct engagement, with Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, leading the way in ensuring their voices were heard.

The lineup of speakers was a carefully curated blend of government officials and subject-matter experts, all selected to address issues most pressing to the people of Kambia.

• Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, Madam Salima Bah, delivered an eloquent address in Krio, explaining her ministry’s role in advancing President Julius Maada Bio’s national development agenda.
• Attorney General Alpha Sesay Esq. articulated the tripartite agreement, justice sector reforms, and legal system reviews aimed at strengthening governance.
• Dr. Kandeh Yumkella and Ing. Nuni shed light on Sierra Leone’s energy situation, providing updates on current and upcoming projects to enhance power supply.

While some ongoing projects were evident and tangible, others remained opaque, prompting questions and concerns from residents eager for more concrete results.

One of the most compelling moments of the event was the quiz and debate competition among school pupils. The students demonstrated deep knowledge and critical thinking on national issues, impressing the audience with their eloquence and reasoning.

The debate’s final round centered on whether Free Education or Feed Salone should be prioritized. In a standout performance, young Fatmata Yansaneh passionately defended the importance of Free Education in national development, earning her the top prize.

Kambia’s residents were keen to absorb the information presented but were equally eager to voice their frustrations. While many appreciated the government’s initiatives, they vented their dissatisfaction over delayed and absent projects.

One notable moment came when Minister Chernor Bah proudly informed the crowd that a son of Kambia was in charge of the nation’s finances—only for a local man to retort, “He’s not from Kambia, he’s from Kenema!” This exchange, while lighthearted, reflected the audience’s close attention to governance and political appointments.

Another key takeaway was the introduction of contractor Pa Cole, who had been working on a government project in Kambia for some time. For many, this was their first time seeing him, despite his role in local development efforts.

Overall, the Salone Big Pass We All engagement successfully bridged the gap between government and citizens, offering Kambia’s residents a chance to interact directly with decision-makers. Their concerns were heard, recorded, and acknowledged, making it clear that community involvement is an essential pillar of national development.