BY SAHR IBRAHIM KOMBA
232NEWS, FREETOWN
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has signed a contract with an Indian Consultancy Firm Aakar Abhinav Consultants Private Ltd for the construction of Kono University of Science and Technology.
The event took place at Kono University construction site Gbense Chiefdom Kono District this past Saturday, August 19th.
Speaking to the press, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr. Haja Ramatuali Wurie said that the signing of the contract is part of President Bio’s commitment in promoting Human Capital Development in the country.
She disclosed that government has disbursed Twenty Billion Leones to continue with the construction of the University, adding that the construction process will commence in October 2023.
She continued that her Ministry is working with experts to develop curriculum in line with Teaching Service Commission’s mandate.
She further that the project will last about thirty-Six Months (36) adding that the consultant has assured the ministry that the projected will be completed in time
“We are working in collaboration with public University to recruit lecturers and set up an interim body to manage the affairs of the University in order to start the foundation programs in October 2023,” she explained.
She mentioned that admission will be conducted like any other Public Universities where in the university will put out admission notice and conduct interview for applicants, noting that successful applicants will be admitted into the university.
The contractor also promised to work on the road leading to the university in order to provide enabling environment for students and Lecturers, she noted.
The Project coordinator for the construction of Kono University of Science and Technology Desmond Abu said that the government is working in collaboration with ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development which partner with Indian Import and Export Bank to provide fund for the construction of the University.
He mentioned that the government is working with partners to ensure the completion of the project. He called on everyone to support the President in achieving the human capital Development initiative. He assured the people of kono that the project will be completed as soon as possible.
Hourable Saa Emmerson Lamina who was part of the monitoring process of the university during the fifth parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone said that he will monitor the construction process of the university to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible.
He urged the people of Kono to own the project and provide the necessary support to the contractors for the speedy completion of the work.
Speaking to the media, the President of Kono Student Union Sahr Jawara Allieu expressed thanks and appreciation to the government for listening to the cry of Kono people.
He called on other development partners to work with authorities for the speedy completion of the project, urging parents to send their children to school in order to earnest this opportunity.
