By Josephine W. Lagawo
FREETOWN, July 14 (SALONE TIMES) – Members of Parliament last Wednesday July 7th 2021 ratified agreement on the Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of The Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Presenting the agreement to members of parliament, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon Emma Kowa Jalloh said that the first one is a grant which is 250 RNB yang and the other one is 200 RNB yang which is a loan for the construction of fish harbor at Black Johnson in Sierra Leone.
“Our country is rich in terms of fish and the ministry has contributed 10% GDP for government which is Le 86 billion in 2020,” she stated
Hon Jalloh informed members of parliament that with the construction of the fish harbor it will accommodate bigger vessels to fish in Sierra Leone’s water.
She added that because jetties are scattered all over the area from Kissy to Goderich, the bigger vessels will go to Senegal to fish but with this facility, it will provide cold room and others facilities for the fishing industries, horticulture and tourism.
She went on to say that government will construct 2 kilometers road, provide electricity and that Sierra Leone will benefit from this agreement.
She said that they will involve the following ministries- Energy, Land, tourism, Foreign Affairs, EPA and the Media.
The Chairperson for Fisheries Committee, Hon Neneh Lebbie praised the zest of the President in bringing investors into Sierra Leone.
She said that the country needs this kind of investment because with this investment, they would try to improve the fishing facility and the standard.
Hon Dr. Yumkella extended deep gratitude to China because his constituency is the third or fourth largest fishing area which is Yeliboya.
He said that he is appealing for the fishing habour to be relocated because the Black Johnson is one of their tourist sites.
Hon PC Bai Kurr Kanagbaro Sanka 111of Tonkolili district in his contribution asked if the money is a grant or loan and if land in question is a lease or been sold.
Hon Emerson Lamina cautioned that the very community where the construction is taking place should be considered first in terms of employment.
Hon Alpha Amadu Bah in his contribution say no patriotic Sierra Leonean will say bad things against this agreement because it is a clear matter that is sensitive and should be treated with seriousness.
The Minister responded to comments by the Members of Parliament by stating that the agreement is a grant that is given without any condition and that it was signed by her counterpart in China. Hon Jalloh pointed out that they are going to do Environmental Impact Assessment on the land they have put on the advertisement with this fish harbor and that it will create job for women and children.
