Sierra Leone News

This happened sometime in May but it is still good news to share even now… - good things are happening in Sierra Leone… the early bird catches the worm…. simple but true.  Read on…

Here’s The Article:

The first juice manufacturing company in Sierra Leone was Thursday commissioned at the Newton community by President Ernest Bai Koroma, as part of his government’s commitment in promoting trade and maintaining economic stability in the country.

The US-based First Step, Africa Felix Juice is a combination of companies with the aim of promoting private sector investment in the area of agriculture and capacity building for local farmers in their respective communities.

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Hello again, I’ve been busy and mad! Mad with the lack of light that’s plaguing Freetown again. I remember last year this time when – we Freetownians – were all basking in the new found Bumbuna light and praising the government for doing the unprecedented. Children danced in the street – “Light don come” or something to that effect. Music blared around every street corner and there was a general positivity about progress in Sierra Leone. I will boast to our diaspora friends about how good things are happening….

One Year On….

Fast forward one year on and we’re back the darkness that prevailed when we came in 2008 not to mention the noisome generators. This started – for those of us that live in Lumley – in about February and it became so bad that around the 1st of May there was a big brouhaha as the fuel price was increased from Le17,500 per gallon to Le22,000 or so. In addition to this increase, fuel is now sold in litres instead of gallons.

There were queues at petrol stations as dealers refused to sell for one reason or the other. In the absence of electricity, the only reliable source of light is the generator which needs fuel. Fuel price increase is bad enough but scarcity compounds the problem.

Now I can say, fuel shortages only lasted for about 3 days at the beginning of May, now we do have more expensive fuel but no electricity.

There may be a myriad of reasons why and I’ve seen and heard as well as read Minister this or that say this or that…. quite frankly it doesn’t matter.

Bottom line is unless there’s 24/7 light no economy can grow to it’s fullest potential . Poverty will still be endemic and businesses will charge and arm and a leg for goods and services.

As I’m writing my generator is on… I wonder when I’ll switch it off for good….

The ongoing roadworks on Wilkinson Road in Freetown as well as the Lumley area is fast improving and I must say, I like the way CSE especially is undertaking the project. There’s no doubt they are doing quality work with some major
overhauling and complete digging and resurfacing of the road. There’re no more roundabouts at Lumley although, I’m sure by the time they’re finished there will be something there to prevent predictable traffic chaos.

As for Wilkinson Road, I’m a bit hesitant to vouch the quality(different company) from what I’ve seen so far but in the end only time will tell. The rains have started already and if there’s anyway of proving quality, the Freetown rains will lay bare any shoddy work that has been done. For that matter it’s a wait and see.
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I’ve been wanting to post this but I’ve had problems with getting my camera connected with my laptop (lost the lead ) hence the delay. Nevertheless Business Bomba Phase II 2010/2011 was concluded in a Grand Finale on the 23rd of April amid much pomp and fanfare at the Miatta Conference Center at the Youyi Building.

As usual, this was a business affair and quite forma. I really must commend AFFORD who organised it as it was the only function connected to the 50th Anniversary that seemed well thought out and organised without any dramas and sob stories, excuses etc…..believe me there were plenty that would make you shake your head! For the sake of my heart, I laugh at most and hope for the better. 

Here’s the serious stuff:

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Happy 50th anniversary to Sierra Leone. Long may she prosper! I wish Sierra Leone the Gospel, prosperity, development, reduction in poverty, higher literacy rate, reduction in all things bad, general improvement in peoples’ lives and well being, fewer NGO’s more independence, a population that’s proud and patriotic and a general sense of wellness for the next 50 years!

Long Live Sierra Leone!

Akwaba (Welcome)  to the New Sierra Leone!

This is one of my worst journeys but it’s at par with my journey from Freetown to Lungi by helicopter. Quite frankly, not sure which one was the worst.To date, I thought this necessary trip for everyone travelling abroad was bad but it had to take these 2 trips to show me how abysmal the services really is.

Here’s a Short Summary Of The Journey times:

From Gambia To Lungi :- 58 minutes

Arrival at Lungi: Approx 17.00pm

Arrival at Ecowater Jetty at Lungi: 17.40pm

Take off time from Ecowater Jetty: 19.45pm

Arrival at Ecowater Jetty in Freetown: Approx 20.15pm

Total Journey time from Lungi To Freetown: Approx 2 hours15minutes

This journey was complete hellish experience. I was one of the first people to come, got my ticket to Aberdeen from Ecowater and waited for others to come out. Mind you, after my similar nightmarish experience with the helicopter, I thought it best to go by sea this time. In any case, the helicopter was not available.

[Show as slideshow]

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I came across this story and I’m very happy. The more the competition the better for all of us. Let’s hope they have direct flights to London to give BMI a run for their money… and passengers more options to choose from. Read the full story below… (article from businessdailyonline.com)

Here’s The Story

Travellers are in for more choices, as more airlines continue to expand their scope and destinations on both the regional and international routes. Last week, Nigeria signed an air pact with Sierra-Leone, with Arik Air entering a joint venture deal with a new airline known as Leon Airways, which is expected to be Sierra-Leonean national carrier when formed.

Although, Nigeria’s Arik Air has been operating flights into Freetown unhindered, the new partnership seeks to strengthen the flight connections on the route, as it will offer more options for travellers.

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The road is being tarred! Yes, after months of dust finally, this is a welcome sight! I went out today through Congo Cross and to my delight one side of the road from the Congo bridge had a stretch of black stuff plus later on, I saw the workmen laying down the concrete to separate the dual carriage way.

Downside: camera was not charged

Whilst we all wish it completed before anniversary, I hope they do an excellent job that lasts and lasts not just for a few years…