Concord Times (Freetown)
Rachel Horner
13 October 2008
President Ernest Bai Koroma Friday made more promises to the nation during the state opening of the second session of the third parliament at parliament building on Tower Hill in Freetown.
He said because majority of the people lives in extremely poor conditions he intends to create new cities in the country, introduce health insurance scheme and provide agricultural investment by end of 2009.
"In these cities, I see human settlements evolving from well planned land use with provision for adequate supplies of electricity, water, sewage, waste management, telecommunications, roads and transportation services," he said.
Koroma said mushroom shanty towns were creating unprecedented environmental degradation with disastrous consequences if left unchecked.
He said his vision and strategies were subsequently formed in accordance with his party's manifesto in the comprehensive plan called the "agenda for change."
He said the health situation of the people was a grave concern to his government and that the All Peoples Congress government was committed to investing in the health of the people.
"My government will invest in the development of a system for procurement and management of drugs, equipment and supplies; development and commencement of the implementation of district reproductive and child health plan 2009. I will institute a national health insurance scheme in the country in 2009," Koroma said.
The President noted that his government has identified the agro business sector as a strategic sector for investment because of the possibilities it represents for food security, revenue generation and wealth creation.
"2009 programme will continue to support farmers under the tractorization scheme, provide seed rice and supply fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides. 10,000 hectares each of cocoa and coffee have been targeted for rehabilitation. Establishment of an Agricultural Bank," Koroma said.
"Energy and water supply, infrastructure and transportation, youth unemployment, the growth sectors, social services and capacity building are the six priority areas on my agenda," he said.
He said: "98% of the Bumbuna project is now completed. Stringing of the transmission lines from Bumbuna to Kingtom substation is anticipated in December 2008 and completion of the project in April 2009," adding that government intends to provide mini hydros in every district headquarter town.
"My government in 2009 will rehabilitate 160 kilometers of roads, 2,055 kilometers of feeder roads, government buildings, civil servant and ministerial quarters and access roads. A Freetown ring road system, reconstruct ten jetties, install navigational aids, procure three ferries, pilot search sand rescue boat," Koroma said.
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