By Morlai Sesay
With support from the European Union, the Falaba District Council, on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, commissioned historic infrastructure facilities constructed in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the District Council. The much-anticipated ceremony put broad smiles on the faces of hundreds of indigenes of Falaba District, like the youths, women, and people from all walks of life, including the Hon. Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamina and EU Delegation in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Manuel Muller, alongside parliamentarians, paramount chiefs, local council leadership, government officials, the private sector, development partners, and other dignitaries from Falaba District to witness the maiden inauguration of key infrastructure projects.
Critical aspects of the project include the newly constructed multipurpose halls, market structures, grain stores, drying floors, and other essential facilities in Mongor and other surrounding communities. This laudable event signifies a leap forward in the district’s development journey that is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sierra Leone.
Known for its immeasurable agricultural productivity, Falaba, which was initially part of Koinadugu District, was established in 2016, with Mongo Bendugu serving as its district headquarters town. Falaba District now borders Koinadugu and Bombali Districts in the Northern Region and the Republic of Guinea.
Being a new district, Falaba has faced numerous challenges in establishing administrative infrastructure, compounded by funding constraints. However, these challenges are being addressed thanks to the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for creating the enabling environment that ignited the European Union to fund the project and support Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development across the country.
The project supports Falaba’s administrative infrastructure and demonstrates a tangible commitment to strengthening the local council’s capacity to deliver on its core mandate of providing social services for the well-being and prosperity of residents in the district.
The partnership between the EU and the Government of Sierra Leone has been instrumental in driving sustainable development initiatives in the region, emphasizing good governance and community empowerment.
EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Manuel Muller, expressed his delight at the event and noted “This occasion marks our symbolic support to the Falaba District Council by building their capacity to respond to the development aspirations of its people and enhance sustainable service delivery at the community level. Today, we have witnessed a strong representation of women and young people in the Falaba District Administration. However, I am also encouraged by the active participation of community members in contributing to the district’s development through tax payments, which further supports the council’s endeavors. This project reaffirms the EU’s dedication to promoting sustainable development and fostering socio-economic growth of Falaba District.”
The project aims to enhance public service delivery by empowering District Councils to catalyze good governance and sustainable development. Through capacity-building initiatives and support for local revenue generation, it seeks to improve access to essential services, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and develop critical rural infrastructure.
The newly constructed multipurpose hall will be a focal point for official and social events. At the same time, market stores, grain storage facilities, and drying floors will contribute to food security and generate income for the council. Bridges and culverts will improve connectivity so that residents can easily access education, healthcare, and marketplaces.
Moreover, the project has strengthened the institutional capacity of the Falaba District Council in various areas, including development planning, public finance management, land and property management, logistics support, and solar energy supply. Notably, it has supported the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in addressing emerging challenges.
Falaba District Council Chairman Ibrahim Sorie Sesay expressed his appreciation for the supportive project, stating, “This initiative has been instrumental in benefiting numerous communities and the people of the district. It has facilitated the acquisition of essential office equipment and provided access to electricity with installed solar panels, which has contributed to increased productivity and efficiency of the council staff while also generating revenue through a cadastre system. This project further emphasized the milestone achieved in empowering the district to address the needs of residents better, foster economic growth, and deliver services to various communities.”
Implemented with technical assistance from DAI, the project extends its support to Civil Society Organisations and District Councils across several districts, including Falaba, Kambia, Kenema, Bombali, Karene, and Pujehun. It represents a holistic approach to local development, emphasizing community participation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
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