APC Opposition Leader Slams Lungi Airport Management in Fiery Parliamentary Session
By Mackie Jalloh
During a contentious parliamentary session on Thursday, August 8, 2024, Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo delivered a blistering critique of the management of Lungi Airport, uncovering disturbing instances of neglect and mismanagement. His remarks, made during discussions on the approval of presidential nominees, have ignited a firestorm of outrage and calls for accountability.
Exposé on Airport Mismanagement:
Hon. Kargbo’s allegations focused on the stark decline in conditions at the old Lungi Airport, which has fallen into disrepair following the transfer of operations to the newly built facility managed by the Turkish firm Summah. Kargbo revealed that essential infrastructure, including the Control Tower from the old airport, was unlawfully relocated to the new airport. This unauthorized transfer has left the old airport in a state of abandonment, highlighting what Kargbo described as a troubling pattern of mismanagement within the Sierra Leone Airport Authority (SLAA).
The opposition leader did not spare criticism of the new airport’s management, accusing them of mistreating SLAA staff who were made redundant during the transition. Kargbo expressed grave concerns about the future of the SLAA, pointing out that the organization has been left vulnerable due to what he termed as poor decisions by the new airport’s operators. He called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the SLAA’s activities, asserting that its leadership has failed in their duty to safeguard the nation’s assets.
Critique of Public Officials:
In his address, Kargbo also directed sharp criticism at the Deputy Ambassador to Liberia, who he implicated in the ongoing controversy surrounding the SLAA. Kargbo condemned the ambassador’s actions, accusing them of failing to set a positive example for the youth of Sierra Leone. He emphasized that public servants must prioritize national interest over personal gain, urging parliamentary nominees to serve with integrity and warning that those who fall short would face consequences.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency:
Kargbo’s closing statements underscored the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of Sierra Leone’s national assets. He warned that the looting and neglect of the old Lungi Airport reflect a broader issue of mismanagement within the country’s public institutions, calling for systemic reforms to address these deep-rooted problems.
Government Response:
In response to Kargbo’s scathing allegations, the Leader of Government Business attempted to deflect some of the criticism by reiterating the President’s authority to hire and fire officials. However, the Leader also acknowledged the contributions of notable figures such as Asma James and Fatmata Sawaneh, advocating for increased gender equality and unity among Sierra Leone’s political and civic leaders.
Implications and Next Steps
Kargbo’s revelations have cast a significant shadow over the new airport’s management, raising serious questions about the integrity and efficacy of those entrusted with Sierra Leone’s infrastructure. The mounting calls for an investigation emphasize the need for prompt and decisive action to address the concerns raised and restore public confidence in the country’s institutions.
As the debate continues, the government faces mounting pressure to respond effectively to the allegations and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and transparency.
