EU FUNDED CONFERENCE CENTRE & GUEST HOUSE UNVIELED IN KAMBIA, SIERRA LEONE

European Union External Action Service (EEAS) under the European Union has unveiled a Conference Centre and guest house building at Kambia District Council in Sierra Leone.

The commissioning was done by Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb Tamba Lamina, the European Union External Action Service (EEAS) Managing Director for Africa, Rita Laranjinha, EEAS Desk Officer for Sierra Leone Hana Missaoui, and EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone Manuel Muller, alongside various government officials and stakeholders.

The infrastructure which was funded by the European Union will see both projects located at the Gbalamuya border town between Sierra Leone and Guinea. It is also expected to play a pivotal role of infrastructure projects in fostering growth and prosperity as well as facilitating economic exchanges between Sierra Leone and Guinea, thereby bolstering socio-economic growth and empowering local businesses..

According to reports, the rojects also include a shopping center comprising 55 shops and stores at the Kambia Lorry Park, alongside a market center featuring numerous stalls at the Barmoi Luma Market trade zone.

Speaking during the events, Rita Laranjinha, EEAS Managing Director for Africa, said, “The EU firmly believes that Sierra Leonean initiatives for local governance play a crucial role in promoting good governance and fostering inclusive economic development. Effective governance requires a system that acknowledges and values the unique needs, priorities and contributions of local actor. This aligns with the Government’s Big-5 initiative and the EU Global Gateway offer to Africa.”

Meanwhile, Ambassador Manuel Muller said, “The EU has a long relationship with Local Councils like the Kambia Local Council and is proud to contribute sustainably to the district’s development. We believe decentralization helps bring development like good roads, culverts, water facilities, market stalls and many more to local communities. These investments will significantly help farmers and traders and increase the incomes of particularly market women.”

The Chief Administrator of Kambia District Council, Edward Alpha, says the EU Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development in Sierra Leone Project has helped build the council’s staff capacity to deliver on its core mandate and increase its revenue generation capacity. Mr. Alpha continued that though there is room for improvement, the EU’s support to the Council has positively enhanced its service delivery capacity to people, who remain grateful to the EU.

The projects are  game-changer as they will aims to empower District Councils to drive good governance and sustainable development while also support European Union’s broader efforts towards places in Kenema, Bombali, Falaba, Kambia, Karene and Pujehun.

SOURCE: TheCalabash