APC MP admonishes SLPP Govt
During the debate on the Budget Speech delivered by the Minister of Finance in Parliament, a Member of Parliament for Kambia District, Hon Ernest Dura Koroma stressed that roads play an important role in the development of any country and that its inclusion in the budget gives him joy.
Hon Koroma expressed happiness in being privileged to debate the Budget, adding that the ongoing debate on the Budget is an important exercise, as the Constitution gives Parliament the power to approve or not to approve the budget, adding that it is an important role on the shoulders of MPs to scrutinize the Executive’s use of funds for the country.
Making reference to page 37 paragraph 33 of the Budget, the MP noted that it promises to allocate funds for the construction of Kambia (Tonkor-Limba) – Guinea road, and expressed joy that this has been included in the budget, but raised concerns over what he described as political rhetoric, recalling that the past regime had also promised to construct the Tonkor Limba road to Guinea, but that had only been on paper, and till date, nothing has been done about it.
The MP recalled that after graduation in the Military, President Bio’s first area of deployment was in Tonkor, and he is optimistic that His Excellency will not want to see the road in that state. He recalled that President Bio promised the people of Tonkor-Limba that he will provide smooth tar on the roads, and hopes that the President will keep his promise.
Hon Ernest Dura Koroma noted that after the Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay, Kambia is the second revenue generating sector in the country. He acknowledged that government is constrained, but hope it will look at the challenges of the people of Tonkor-Limba, furthering that roads are important in development, for without it, development will stall. Recalling the contributions of Kambia to the economy, the MP stressed that the International Market at Bamoi Luma attracts international players, noting that business people from Guinea and other countries come to do business in the market. This market fosters international trade, leading to more revenue and a substantial increase in economic activities.
He appealed for government’s intervention in the road sector, as better roads mean more trade and an increase of revenue. He recalled the deplorable condition of the road during the rains, and called on the government to remember the people of Tonkor-Limba this time around.