BY SAHR IBRAHIM KOMBA
232NEWS, FREETOWN
The construction of Kono University of Science and Technology has been indefinitely put on hold. President Bio turned the sod for the construction of the University on the 19th November 2021.
During the launching ceremony, the President said that to correct the social injustice the district has faced over decades, promising that classes to start in September 2022. However, the project is far from completion.
In an interview with the President of Kono Student Union (KonSU) Sahr Kpakima Jawara Allieu said that his Union is concerned about the snail pace at which the construction process of the University is going.
‘‘We want the project to be completed as soon as possible,’’ he noted.
He expressed thanks and appreciation to the government for the project, adding that this will help to promote human capital development in the district.
He however called on the government to fast-rack the construction process of the university.
“According to the government, classes were purpose to start in September 2022 but that did not materialize,’’ he said.
He further disclosed that work at the construction site stopped in early 2022 and nothing has been going on.
He furthered that students from Kono have faced so many challenges in the pursuit of University education and there is a pressing need for the district to have a university.
He said that their concerns are legitimate and not politically motivated, calling on Kono authorities to engage the government on the way forward of the said project.
“This has demotivated many students who had wanted to pursue their tertiary education in the said university,’’ he noted.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kumba Digba Foundation, Madam Kumba Digba urged the government to speed up the construction process of the University.
She stated that female students from Kono seeking for Tertiary education in other districts have suffered for so long and some could not even complete their courses.
She mentioned that there is an urgent need for a university in the district, noting that it will help to promote women’s empowerment.
She reiterated that education is eminent in nation-building and should be accessible to all.
