By Marian Magdalene Bangura
Strategic Communication Unit – (MOICE)
Mongor, Falaba District –
Residents of Falaba District have received renewed assurance of government’s commitment to development, as key updates on road infrastructure and mining reforms were shared during the ongoing Civic Day Series organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
The engagement brought government officials face-to-face with community members, providing a platform for open dialogue on critical issues affecting livelihoods and local development.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, highlighted significant progress in the Kabala – Falaba road construction project, noting that the initiative is improving connectivity and access across the region. He further reaffirmed government’s commitment to extending the road to Mongor, a move expected to boost economic activities and ease transportation challenges for residents.
On the mining sector, the Deputy Minister outlined ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring that communities derive greater benefits from natural resources. These include increased Community Development Funds and the direct payment of surface rents to landowning families, enhancing transparency and local participation in resource management.
He also called on residents to play an active role in safeguarding their communities by reporting illegal mining activities, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial to ensuring that rightful revenues and development benefits reach local populations.
The Civic Day engagement provided an important opportunity for residents to raise concerns, ask questions, and receive firsthand updates on government initiatives. Community members expressed appreciation for the interaction, noting that it strengthens trust and accountability between citizens and the state.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to bring governance closer to the people, particularly in rural areas, while promoting inclusive dialogue and sustainable development.
As the Civic Day Series continues, the government has reiterated its commitment to improving infrastructure, strengthening local economies, and ensuring that the benefits of national development are felt in every part of the country.