The European Union Head of Cooperation, Gerald Hartler on Thursday, 27th January, 2022 launched the decentralization programme for Falaba District Council in the esteemed presence of the Ministers of Local Government and Rural Development, and Planning and Economic Development in Mongo Bendugu, Falaba district.
The EU funded €1,050,000 (over 13 billion Leones) decentralization programme for Falaba District Council aims to address the COVID-19 response, rehabilitation of feeder roads, and support to agricultural production and value chains in order to improve the well-being of the people in the district.
This investment also aims at contributing to the sustainable revenue mobilisation for the council to compliment government’s interventions by strengthening its capacity to deliver essential social services to the people.
This is the first-ever launching ceremony of development programmes for the new district which attracted the presence of several traditional authorities, women, youths, CSOs, government officials, and development partners.
Gerald Hatler said that the grant aims to empower the district council in order to be able to implement development initiatives in the district. He added that the programme would ensure the full participation of women and other vulnerable groups in the rural communities.
Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, Falaba District Council Chairman said the funding would significantly help the newly created council to tackle some of the challenges in the district. He noted the EU‘s support would also unlock the socio-economic potential of the district.
Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, Minister of Planning and Economic Development said the launching was an important step towards achieving the development goals President Julius Maada Bio’s government has set out in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023), which was founded on a strong commitment to deliver development results that would improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
Delivering his keynote address, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ambassador Tamba Lamina commended the EU and government for the level of support they have given to local councils, stating that it was a manifestation of President Bio’s commitment to the decentralisation process in the country.
Climaxing the ceremony was the commissioning of a brand new vehicle and motor bikes at the district council building and the conferment of chieftaincy tittle on European Union Head of Cooperation, Gerald Hatler in recognition and appreciation of the EU’s tremendous contributions to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic and political development.
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