Concord Times (Freetown)
Sahr Morris Jr.
16 June 2009
Freetown — The United Nations Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, Lynn Pascoe, has assured President Koroma that the UN would not only continue to support Sierra Leone but would align its priorities in accordance with the government's 'agenda for change'.
Speaking during a brief visit at the President's Hill Station Lodge on Friday 12th June, Mr. Pascoe said the whole UN body was impressed with President Koroma's performance and presentation during the video link on the UN conference on Sierra Leone in New York, which he described as a "resounding success".
In his remarks, President Koroma gave a detailed account of his government's aspirations and agenda. Starting with a note of gratitude for the world body's support during the country's most difficult period, the President said Sierra Leone is now engaged in real economic growth. He said the 'agenda for change' "addresses the aspirations and living standards of our people, addresses their poverty and the social services delivery system."
He noted that the New York meeting was "most timely" because the government had previously submitted the documents of the 'agenda for change' to the international community
In analyzing the prioritized tripod for development of agriculture, energy and infrastructure, President Koroma looked forward to the agricultural sector being not only the bread-basket for the country but attracting the international market.
He expressed satisfaction at the initial success in the emergency provision of electricity, while thanking the donor community for the virtual completion of the Bumbuna hydro electric project.
"We are now at the point of laying out the cables linking the Bumbuna sub-station and Kingtom, to be completed this month; clear the right of way; and put in place the administrative structures to run the entire energy sector," President Koroma explained.
Beyond Bumbuna, the President noted the need to develop the country's hydro potential which is approximated at 1200 mega watts "in order to provide energy that will be affordable and environmentally friendly. And we are developing a national grid to have more than enough for the country to participate in the West African power pool."
On infrastructural development, the President mentioned the road construction works, especially the commissioning of the Freetown-Conakry highway which he performed in Kambia on the same Friday.
On youth unemployment, President Koroma said the setting up of the Youth Commission could be the answer to this. "Parliament has already given authority to the Attorney General to put in place the necessary legislation, which, when enacted, will coordinate the activities of the youth."
"With all of this, we are going to the donors conference in November to press home the plea for commitments to be followed by action."
The President noted that his government has taken steps at establishing good governance, more accountability to the people, enacting tough anti corruption laws, and anti drug legislations: "We are putting in practice what has been legislated, manifested in the conviction of drug criminals and catching people who fall foul of our anti corruption laws."
The President lauded the Anti Corruption Commission's sensitization campaign with a view to preventing corruption.
On the general economic growth of Sierra Leone, the President emphasized the need to engage the private sector, providing a conducive environment by making laws up-to-date and reviewing the entire justice sector. He noted that the issue of investment cannot be completely addressed without a review of the land tenure system in accordance with the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission.
"We must open up the country to even get the private sector involved in agriculture so that we can improve the methods of farming, variety and large-scale irrigation;" he asserted.
President Koroma noted that even though his government came at a time of global crises, he was not surprised that the international community still supports Sierra Leone in her strides to move forward. He also pointed out his desire to have good neighbourly relations with sub-regional governments, including Guinea "to help them go through their difficulties."
In concluding, the President expressed happiness that the Under Secretary General was coming at this time, "and you will add up to the list of our goodwill ambassadors".
During his address, Ambassador Pascoe praised the work of the Executive Representative of the UN Secretary General in Sierra Leone, Michael Schulenburg, for adequately presenting Sierra Leone's case to the UN.
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