Following the signing of an agreement between the government of Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China, a one- day Stakeholders Town Hall Meeting, aimed at deepening collaboration, coordination and communication on the implementation of a modern Fish Harbour Project has been held at Black Johnson Community, Western Area Rural District in Freetown.

Organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in collaboration with other key partners, including Ministries, Departments Agencies and the host community, the program  which signalled the commencement of the implementation of the project will also enable the Ministry of Fisheries and partners effectively manage the implementation of the project in line with key mandates set out in the agreement.

Stating the purpose of the meeting, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba who described the project as a l”ong- awaited intervention,” assured  all that government and partners are putting modalities in place to ensure the project is fully implemented. Emphasizing on the importance of the project, Mrs. Dugba cited a number of opportunities the project will bring including, employment and increase revenue generation. “The question as to whether the project will be implemented or not must end now!”she warned detractors and encouraged all to compliment government’s efforts in ensuring the project is successful. She commended  President Julius Maada Bio for his visionary leadership,the Chinese government for  their support and all those who in diverse ways contributed to the preliminary stage of the project.

In his Keynote Address, the Minister of Lands, Dr. Turad Senessie, described the program as a”demonstration of government”s desire to take development to the rural areas, priorities youth employment, rebrand the nation and restore it past glory.”

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wan Qing, catalogued a number of projects his country has undertaken in Sierra Leone and restated his country’s unwavering commitment to promoting the existing cordial bilateral ties between the two countries. He described the project as a “land mark venture” that would contribute immensely to the Socio- economic development of the country and assured all that work on the project site will start soon.

Chairperson,  Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Fisheries, Nenneh Lennie, underscored the importance of the project, citing, parliamentarians overwhelming approval of the project, in spite of their political differences. 

Giving a vivid historical sketch about the project, a representative from the  Ministry of Justice and Legal Adviser, Yusuf Isaac Sesay, described the project as a “dream come true”. He also referred to the meeting as “a testament of the fact  that  the project is real.”The Legal Luminary, outlined series of steps taken to ensure the objectives of the project are realised  since it was approved including, acquisition of the project site, engagement of the affected  community, undertaking  ESHIA study and publication of report, compensation and relocation of affected persons, among others.

Earlier, in his opening statement,  Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Abdel Bawoh, who chaired the program, registered government’s determination to narrow the gap between state actors and the “rural poor” and encouraged all to imbibe the spirit of nationalism for sustainable socio economic development in the country. 

Headman of Black Johnson Community, Junisa Feika, on behalf of his compatriots, pledged their unflinching support for the project.

Statements were also heard from other eminent personalities who  demonstrated their support for the project.

He reminded residents of Black Johnson Community about series of consultations they have held with a view to ensuring that they are fully involved in the process,noting that the main thrust of the meeting was to inform the public that the project will commence soon. The project, he added, “will showcase Sierra Leone in the global  market “He thanked the Chinese government for demonstrating what he referred to as ” true spirit of friendship”. He and wish Sierra Leonean’s, especially the host community, Black Johnson the best in the implementation of the project. The Minister of Fisheries, Princess Dugba declaring the purpose of the meeting.