100 DAYS ACHIEVEMENTS OF PRESIDENT JULIUS MAADA BIO’S GOVERNMENT

President Julius Maada Bio

 

Prepared by the Office of the Press Secretary

INTRODUCTION

In his forward to the Sierra Leone People’s Party Manifesto, 2018, as then Presidential Candidate, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio writes that: “Our New Direction therefore offers the people of Sierra Leone a STARK CHOICE between the current ‘Business as Usual Status Quo’ of the APC that has converted Sierra Leone into a land of poverty, rampant corruption, gross indiscipline and underdevelopment and the SLPP’s New Direction’s promise of efficient and effective management of the state that will make Sierra Leone a significantly better country through inclusive politics, inclusive economic growth, inclusive development and inclusive governance.”

This Stark choice mentioned above has been made ever-glaring by the economic burden left by the All People’s Congress Government: external debt amounting to US$1.6 billion, domestic debt amounting to Le4.99 trillion, an exploded payroll of Le2 trillion, Government arrears to local contractors and vendors amounting to US$1.4 billion or Le10.7 trillion, the suspension of the Extended Credit Facility by the International Monetary Fund and the suspension of the operations of Shandong Steel as the major exporter of iron ore.

With such inheritance by the Government of President Julius Maada Bio, the priority within the First 100 Days has been to pursue fiscal consolidation focusing mainly on enhancing domestic revenue mobilization and expenditure rationalization to restore macroeconomic stability.

Despite the Government’s impressive measures on economic recovery, the achievements within the First 100 Days in governance including the historic reading of the Supplementary Government Budget on 13^th July, 2018 have shown a Government which is truly a New Direction. The achievements can be divided into four categories: Transforming the Economy; Human Development; Improving Governance and Improving Infrastructure.

Transforming the Economy

The new administration took over governance of the country under very challenging economic conditions. To address these challenges, His Excellency President Bio announced two separate executive orders: Executive Order No. 1 on Revenue Mobilisation (Published 9^th April 2018) and Executive Order No. 2 on Expenditure Control (Published 25^th April 2018).

Achievements

1. The abuse and misuse of duty and tax waivers in recent years resulted in significant loss in domestic revenue amounting to Le1.12 trillion during 2015 – 2017. Within 100 days, Government has established a Special Committee to review the current process and develop an appropriate policy for granting duty and tax waivers.
2. In April to June, the Government collected a total of Le1.07 trillion of domestic revenue (a monthly average of Le 356.7 billion, far exceeding the monthly collection of Le 271billion for the same period in 2017, reflecting strong efforts by the Government to stop revenue leakages and curb excessive duty waivers.
3. Prior to the assumption of office of the new Government, several MDAs collected and retained Government revenue thereby undermining Government’s revenue collection efforts. Within First 100 Days, Government has implemented the Treasure Single Account and total collections from Treasure Single Account agencies amounted to Le104 billion during April – June, including Le60 billion transferred into the Consolidated Revenue Fund from their balances held at the commercial banks.
4. Prior to the Executive Order No 1, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were paying excise taxes and duties in arrears of two months or more. This led to difficulties in reconciling payments due and actual payments made. Within First 100 days, consistent with Law, Customs and Excise Department would now allow Oil Marketing Companies to uplift petroleum products from the depots only after the (i) full payment of excise duty (ii) 50 percent of import duty before uplift; remaining 50 percent within 7 days after uplift, failing which the full force of the law applies
5. As a result of the revenue mobilization drive, within the First 100 Days this created fiscal space that enabled the Government to paying salaries of civil servants and staff of sub-vented agencies without resorting to domestic bank borrowing. In addition, the Government was able to provide resources to MDAs including to Universities and other Tertiary institutions; Anti-Corruption Commission; National Revenue Authority; Audit Service Sierra Leone, the Police, Military and Correctional Services; as well as pay examination fees for NPSE, contribution to NASSIT for Civil servants and other public sector employees and subsidy to the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC.
6. The Government Wage bill account for 30% of Government expenditure and 60 % of domestic revenue in 2017. In addition, APC left an exploded payroll of Le 2 trillion. Within the First 100 Days, the Ministry of Finance through the Accountant-General’s Department is cleaning the Government Payroll by ensuring that all public sector workers above the age of 60 years are removed from the payroll effective end May 2018, except for teachers, whose deadline has been extended to end August 2018. As a result of this policy, about 2,118 employees have their assignments ended. Hence, it is expected that Government will save about Le5.0 billion monthly going forward and this has provided fiscal space to recruit 1,600 new teachers.
7. Expenditure on overseas travel account for a significant proportion of the recurrent expenditures of MDAs. Within the First 100 Days, the Ministry of Finance has ensured that MDAs travel costs are within their approved budgets. Furthermore, per diem allowances will no longer be paid to Government officials on their return trip for official travel. The implementation of this measure is already in full effect. Government is able to a make savings of Le 11 billion from the implementation of these policy measures, with Le760 million on foreign travel alone.
8. Within the First 100 days, the Ministry of Finance has ensured that all public procurement transactions above the threshold of Le60 million (sixty million Leones) should be done through open competitive bidding, except under compelling circumstances such as natural disasters and epidemics as well as security hardware. In line with section 23 of the Bank of Sierra Leone Act (2011), Government has ensured that prices for contracts shall be quoted and payable only in the local currency (Leones) and that all existing contracts already quoted in foreign currency shall therefore be paid in Leones. Government contracts awarded would henceforth be awarded in the local currency. With this measure, all remaining payments for contracts that were earlier negotiated in US$ are now to be paid in the local currency.
9. Within the First 100 days, Government discontinued payment for fuel, internet and mobile phone services in the homes of all government officials with the exception of the President, Vice President, the Attorney-General, Chief Justice and the Speaker of the House of Parliament and their respective deputies. Furthermore, all fuel supplies to the residences of these officials has been terminated with immediate effect.
10. Within the First 100 Days, as Government strengthened fiscal discipline and transparency in the management of public resources, expenditures declined to an average of Le230.8 billion during April-May, 2018, from Le 535.2 billion per month for the same period in 2017.
11. Within the First 100 Days, the Ministry of Finance, through the Audit Service, has instituted a financial and technical/forensic audit on all domestic arrears for goods and services left by the previous Government amounting to Le10.7 trillion (US$1.4 billion).The audit is to verify the authenticity of the arrears and it is expected to be complete by mid-August.
12. The Extended Credit Facility programme of the IMF derailed under the previous administration mainly due to weak domestic revenue collection resulting from the non-implementation of agreed measures with the Fund. Within the First 100 Days, Ministry of Finance re-launched the Extended Credit Facility (EFC) with the IMF. Subsequently, the IMF made a staff visit to Freetown during June 4 -12, 2018 to carry out a stock take on the country’s economic, fiscal and financial situation. The IMF commended the Government for the measures taking so far and a second visit is being planned for September.
13. Within the First 100 Days, the Ministry of Finance carried out a review of the system used to track and monitor the status of the audit recommendations, and in addition reviewed progress made by the MDAs in implementing the recommendations of the Auditor General contained in her 2015 Annual Audit Report.
14. Within the First 100 days, the Ministry of Finance has engaged development partners for the enhancement of the budget support that was not disbursed by development partners in 2017. In particular, the Ministry of Finance requested the World Bank to increase the budget support to US$30 million for 2018 and the Ministry has finalized the financing agreement with European Union for budget support covering 2018 – 2020 amounting to Euro 80 million. It is expected that the budget support programme will be submitted to the Board of the World Bank in October 2018 and that preconditions for the disbursement for the European Union funding will be completed by end of July 2018 and submitted to the European Union for release of the 2018 budget support.
15. Within the First 100 Days, the Minister of Finance tabled in Parliament a revised supplementary Government Budget and Statement of Economic and Financial Policies with the theme: “Road To Efficient Economic Management”.
16. Within the First 100 Days and to drive the process of delivery, the Minister of Agriculture set up a Technical Advisory and Resource Mobilization Team to lend support to the Ministers and the professional team in the delivery of agricultural services. The team has been tasked to create an effective system for delivery, alignment of MAF’s operations with the President’s vision and priorities for Agriculture; promote accountability, and coordinate efforts between divisions in the Ministry and with partners.
17. Recognizing the indispensable role of the private sector towards the achievement of food self-sufficiency, as articulated in the President’s State Opening of Parliament Speech in May 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture has planned to organize a trailblazing private sector investment conference scheduled to take place on the 19th July 2018. The conference aims to direct the attention of the private sector towards profitable investment opportunities in the rice value chain in Sierra Leone. This consultative engagement will not only focus on presenting a strong business case for investing in the agricultural sector, but also, it is set to obtain concrete commitments from key private sector actors.
18. Intensive logging for timber is a major threat to Sierra Leone’s forests; even protected areas have been breached in the past decade. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is providing leadership towards the development and operationalization of a National Forestry Management Agency to ensure the sustainable management of our forest resources. In the same vein a sustained nationwide reforestation campaign is being scheduled for August 2018 to take advantage of the rains. Noteworthy, the MAF has also initiated public private partnership to develop a real time monitoring system for sustainable forestry management.
19. Within the First 100 days, input distribution for the 2018 cropping season has commenced: 40,000 farm families at 1 bushel (25kg)/farm family will be supported for lowland rice cultivation across the country; 74,000 bags (3,700 MT) of fertilizer have been prepositioned for distribution to farmers across the country to accompany the seed rice.
20. The previous APC Government was very weak on tax collection from mining companies as many were given tax exemptions. Within the First 100 Days, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources has collected US$2.7 million from various mining companies on revenue collection.
21. The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources is expecting US$3.3 million from KINGHO Mining Company by the end of 2018 and payment plan has already been submitted for the said amount.
22. The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources is in the process of the cancellation of 40 mining right holders which will free up more space for potential investors.
23. Within the First 100 Days, three policy documents have been reviewed and comments incorporated ready for cabinet discussion and approval. These documents are: draft Sierra Leone Minerals Policy; draft Artisanal Mining Policy and draft Data Management policy. These documents will shape and inform the revised Mines and Minerals Act of 2009.
24. At the time of assuming office, revenue generated was Le 36.83 billion for the January to March 2018. Within the First 100 days since the coming to power of the SLPP Government and as at 12th June 2018, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has generated a total of 48.69 billion. This does not include penalties of US$ 455,000 levied on fishing vessels for various crimes committed.
25. In its quest to combat Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Ministry is utilizating a satellite based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), to track the activities of all licensed fishing vessels in our waters.
26. A team of experts from the United Nations University – Fisheries Training Program and the World Bank funded West Africa Regional Fisheries (WARFP) Project conducted a training workshop on the Analysis of Vessel Monitoring System Data from May 28 –June 1, 2018. The overall objective of the workshop was to “introduce to participants the uses of vessel monitoring system data in fishery management applications and to provide a venue to exchange ideas for more comprehensive training in this field in the future”.
27. In a bid to meeting the financial resources to fight Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing, Ministry of Finance has agreed to support the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources with the Fuel and other operational costs to be able to police our territorial waters using the SIK Fisheries patrol vessel.
28. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has also engaged the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the European Union Head of Delegation in Sierra Leone with a view to fast track the activities to be completed for the European Union Yellow Card to be rescinded. One of our particular concerns is the deletion of fishing vessels from a Ship registry in Cyprus which the Government cannot monitor or control. As a flag state, Sierra Leone should have the capacity to monitor the activities of all fishing vessels flying her flag even in international waters.
29. Within the First 100 Days, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is also working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health to address Fish Quality Assurance issues and have already met the head of the European Union in Freetown for us to start communicating with the Directorate of animal health of the European Union (DG SANTE) to address the export of our fishery products to the EU.
30. The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources visited the Fisheries Outstations of Goderich, Tombo, Bo , Gbondapi, Sulima and Shenge, which was never done before by other Ministers. The visit also included a tour of the Ministry’s facilities including Fish Receiving Centers that are at the moment not fully operational. From this visit, we saw the need for a Fisheries Extension Office, an Outstation in Sulima because of the huge presence of foreign fishers mainly Liberians since it is a border town and many times there are conflicts with the local people.
31. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has secured a land and has informed Ministry of Finance about the need to make the outstations functional as they provide extension services to fishing communities especially for fishery data collection and fisheries surveillance in this area.
32. A contractor has been contracted to complete the fencing of the Bo Aquaculture and Experimental Station which has been under intense encroachment by people. The ponds are being rehabilitated and stocked for the production of Fish. This will reduce the fishing pressure in the Marine sector and provide the much needed fish in the provinces. Fish farming or Aquaculture is a key priority for the administration of the New Direction and the Minister wants to make sure that the key district head Quarter towns have fully functional Aquaculture Sites to address the issue of fish availability and accessibility.
33. On the 18th June, 2018 the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources held it inaugural meeting with a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China after the signing of an MOU on Fisheries Cooperation between the two Countries in October, 2017.

The inaugural meeting was to plan how the Joint Fisheries Committee can work together to implement what is enshrined in the MOU.

34. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, together with the Ministry of Finance, the NRA and the Accountant General have decided that the present licensing fees and scheme should be reviewed even though there had been some increment last year. Staff of the Ministry and the NRA are currently reviewing the fees and other charges taking into consideration fees that are levied within the sub-region.
35. Within the first 100 days, the review and drafting of the National Heritage Bill in progress by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. This bill will establish a Commission of Arts and Entertainment. Also, the review of the Development of Tourism Act 1990 in progress to make way for better functioning and delivery of the Tourism Sector.
36. A Public-Private Partnership unit and Community Outreach unit established in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Affairs to bridge the gap between the private sector, stakeholders and the Ministry.
37. A 3-year partnership with PUM (a Dutch-based training organization) secured to strengthen the capacity of the Hotel and Tourism Training Centre (HTTC), Brookfields Campus.
38. The first National Consultative Conference for the Entertainment Industry organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Affairs on 23/06/2018 with an objective to come up with measures that will enhance the growth and development of the industry
39. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture Affairs has forged a partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Arts of Burkina Faso to enable the participation of Artisans in Africa’s biggest Art and Crafts Exhibition to be held in November 2018, in Ouagadougou.
40. The installations of mobile toilets along the Lumley Beach facilitated.
41. Plans put in place for the development of Levuma beach with the use of environmentally friendly structures in collaboration with the Levuma community. This provides an alternative livelihood for the community while at the same time provides protection of the beach in return. The model is to be replicated in other tourism sites.
42. Discussions with key stakeholders in progress to support the Cultural Village and the setting up of a non-formal Institute of Arts and Culture. And, the initiative for the regular supply of food to the National Dance Troupe by FAO in progress.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

His Excellency the President has prioritized Education as a conduit to transform Sierra Leone’s natural and mineral resources into sustainable development. This is primarily because Education helps lift people out of poverty and creates vast new opportunities to reduce unfair income distribution and increase choices.

43. Within First 100 Days, the Government announced the implementation of the Free Education Programme that will commence in September 2018 targeting an estimated total enrolment of 2,141,356 pupils.
44. Government announced the provision of teaching and learning materials amounting to Le5.3 billion to all Government and Government-assisted schools.
45. Government announced school feeding programme for schools in remote communities. An amount of Le69.6 billion is provided in the revised budget for this activity.
46. Government announced that every child in Government and Government-assisted Schools would be entitled to 5 textbooks each for the five core subjects. An amount of Le 19.9 billion is allocated as 10 percent advance payment to procure text books for the five core subjects to improve the text book to pupil ratio from 3:1 to 1:1.
47. Government announced that the outstanding Examination fees for NPSE, BECE and WASSCE for all the just concluded examinations estimated at Le 26.5 billion, would now be paid to the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
48. Government announced the elimination of SS4 with effect from the 2018/19 academic year as promised in the New Direction. Government will pay an additional one-month salary in the month of August to all teachers teaching SS3 pupils to provide additional classes over the summer holidays to pupils promoting to SS3 to catch up with those already in SS3 that were to proceed to SS4.
49. Government announced grant dispensation for the payment of outstanding bills owed to suppliers providing diets to all Government Boarding schools to enable them provide regular diet supplies to pupils over the holidays up to the end of the first term. Institutional support for the free education programme is allocated Le6.0 billion.
50. Government announced the provision of School Buses for which an amount of Le12.0 billion has been provided as advance payment for the procurement of fifty (50) school buses to be managed by the City Councils on a cost recovery basis. The objective is to reduce the cost of transportation for school children while ensuring that they are regular and punctual in schools.
51. Government announced the introduction of a conditional cash transfer programme for the education sector to encourage very poor parents to allow their children to go to school instead of sending them out to engage in street trading and hawking.
52. President Bio announced the elimination of the payment for Application Forms for Admission to the Universities and an allocation of Le5.6 billion is provided in this budget to cover the cost of University Application Forms for the 2018/19 academic year.
53. Government announced the commencement of a National Student Loan Scheme in the second half of the 2018/2019 Academic Year and has allocated the sum of Le2.0 billion to support start-up institutional arrangements and operations.
54. In line with the President’s statement on the official opening of Parliament to support adult literacy, Government has announced the provision of Le2.4 billion in the domestic capital budget to support adult functional education in all 14 provincial and the Western Area districts.
55. Government announced salary increase for Civil Servants in Grades 1- 6. Government is providing 10 percent of the basic salary of all civil servants, teachers, police, military, correctional services and National fire Authority in grades 1 to 6 as transport allowance. This will cost Government Le24.6 billion for the second half of the year and benefit 49,181 Government workers, which account for 71 percent of the public sector work force.
56. Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has established committees to support the Free Education Programme: Inter-Ministerial & Partners Group (IMPG), Technical Committee and Ward Education Committee produced.
57. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has commenced the preparation for the establishment of a Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) which will be basket fund to support free education.
58. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has also commenced national/internal resource mobilization activities with preparation of a proposal for the establishment of a GoSL Trust Fund containing funds for education from the mining sector and from mobile phone calls
59. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has commenced the removal of double shift schooling.
60. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has conducted a schools’ assessment survey.
61. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has commenced the 2017/18 annual school census and using tablets to collect data for the census.
62. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education is reprinting 11,000 lesson plans in English Language and Mathematics for the junior secondary level and associated training of teachers to use the plans.
63. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has completed the drafting of comprehensive lesson plans for English Language and Mathematics at the senior secondary level. Associated training of teachers to commence in August 2018.
64. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has completed the drafting of JSS and SSS Pupil Handbooks in English Language and Mathematics that are aligned to the lesson plans. All public Junior Secondary Schools and Senior Secondary Schools are targeted
65. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has completed the drafting of Teacher Guides in respect of English Language and Mathematics for the junior secondary level
66. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education successfully conducted the 2018 National Primary School Examination
67. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has commenced the arrangements for expansion of the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) to accommodate children over 10 years of age wanting to access primary education.
68. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has embarked on arrangements for the World Food Programme (WFP) to become a partner in the implementation of the school feeding programme.
69. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has re-commenced the inter-school and inter-college sporting activities.
70. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education provided urgent support to WAEC in addressing a variety of issues.
71. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has transferred teacher management functions to the Teaching Service Commission.
72. Teacher records repository has been established at Teaching Service Commission.
73. Teaching Service Commission (TSC) developed 4 policy guidelines. (Policies now being harmonised and made more coherent.)
74. Teaching Service Commission has conducted a baseline study on characteristics of teacher training providers.
75. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has developed course for school leaders on performance management and standards.
76. Teaching Service Commission has developed and popularised the standards for teachers and school leaders in four districts.
77. As a newly established Ministry, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has set up a governance structure by establishing an organogram indicating various departments and units in line with the Presidential assignment and identifying posts with corresponding Job descriptions to be presented to the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) for recruitment.
78. The tenure of office of almost all heads in the Technical and Higher Education expired long ago and post holders were found to be above the stipulated age of retirement. Some have been in the posts above the age of retirement for over five years with little or no contribution to the development of the institutions. The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education appointed new leadership for the Universities, Polytechnics and Teacher Training Colleges and designed terms of reference for the appointed leaders in addition to that spelt out in the Universities Act of 2005.
79. Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has reconstituted University Courts and Councils for Teacher Training Colleges and Technical Institutes to ensure effective and efficient supervision of academic and training programmes.
80. Ministry of Higher and Technical Education has established Multi-sectorial Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to promote information sharing, joint planning, implementation and oversight.
81. The Ministry of Higher and Technical Education has held meetings with Njala University and other educational institutions to normalise the college calendar so that all higher education institutions reopen in October.
82. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has been restructured into Clinical and Public Health and the various directorates and programmes would be supervised under these two. Of note is the creation of two new directorates: (i) The Directorate of Laboratory, Diagnostics and Blood Services, (ii) Directorate of Global Health and Emergencies – as a prelude to the National Public Health Agency.
83. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has been able to source $3m from the Centre for Disease Control and the World Bank to train laboratory personnel, equip 40 CHCs for diagnostics and Non Communicable disease facilities, and provide wearing apparel and bed linings for about 3,000 personnel in these facilities.
84. Vaccine safety and efficacy is Prime to immunization and Child Health. To achieve this, 220 solar direct drive refrigerators have been procured to serve all CHCs. Furthermore, to ensure the corrective maintenance of the refrigerators, 28 personnel have been trained in Cold chain technology.
85. Anti-Malaria drugs and health commodities have been distributed to 1230 peripheral health Units and 37 hospitals (both public and Private) nationwide to support the treatment of malaria across the Country.
86. The quantification of the 2019 drugs for Free Health Care needs was undertaken and we have completed the first batch of distribution of drugs to 14 district hospitals.
87. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has received drugs from the United States Embassy through USAID which is valued over $200,000 to all Government Hospitals.
88. Presently 5 hospitals (between 75-100 beds) have been built using Kuwaiti and DFID funds. Within the First 100 Days, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has developed a concept note and blocked funds from the KUWAITI laboratory and hospital programme to fully equip one of these hospitals as a National Modern Diagnostics and Treatment Centre (NMDTC) and another for exclusive Accidents and Emergencies (A&E), while the other three (3) will continue to serve as community health facilities.
89. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has received five (5) digital X-ray equipment that will make significant improvement in the diagnostics capability in the tertiary hospitals.
90. To attain a reasonable service delivery, the ratio of health personnel to population should approach the WHO recommended 23/10,000 people. Sierra Leone was far below the minimum requirement. In our First 100 Days, Government has therefore, given approval for all doctors to be employed immediately on graduation.
91. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has started in July 2018 payment of incentives to Community Health Workers including immunization officers, traditional birth attendants and community health advocates.
92. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation agreed that experienced and over 60 years specialist doctors to be retained in service so they can provide outreach services to the districts one week every month. This will serve as additional in-house training for the young doctors in the districts and nurses.
93. To upgrade the skills set of Midwives, especially those trained from the State Enrolled Community Health Nurse (SECHN) background, a simulation laboratory with an ICAP Comprehensive Simulation program was established and opened in May, 2018. This would strengthen the resilience and the responsiveness of our midwives in critical conditions that could arise in rural areas.
94. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has deployed two (2) nutrition staff per district government hospital to improve the nutritional services especially in the treatment of non-Communicable disease patients
95. To promote optimal breast feeding practices, 20 clinical hospital staff per regional hospital (Bo, Bombali and Kenema) have been exposed to maternity course module on all benefits of breast feeding indicators.
96. The Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies has been created as a prelude to the establishment of the National Public Health Agency. This entity responded to 2 potential emergencies; (i) a disease outbreak in Kamalo which was associated with polluted water (ii) Measles outbreak in Masadu in Falaba district. Contact tracing, treatment and immunization were attained within two weeks of detection. The advent of laboratories with the diagnostics capability for the detection of such diseases within 12 hours of sample collection is a major development in preparedness and disease response.
97. The Ministry of Youth Affairs has undertaken a comprehensive audit of projects inherited from the outgone Government. Several issues of misappropriation were discovered. For instance, in the Youth in Fisheries Project, it was discovered that funds amounting to Le15 billion leones were misappropriated. In the Youth in Drainage project, the audit also discovered that about Le29.6 billion was withdrawn by the accountant and the project manager. Similar findings of misappropriation were also discovered in projects like National Youth Village and the National Youth Farm.
98. The National Youth Scheme is at present recruiting the first set of Youth Corps. This project targets young graduates from tertiary institutions to participate in a year voluntary service to the state. The Ministry in order to achieve this has toured the entire country, holding meetings with stakeholders including paramount chiefs, students, Civil Society Organizations, among others.
99. The Ministry of Youth Affairs has launched a Car Wash Project. About 25 Car Wash centres will be used as pilot even though the Ministry intends to expand to 50 across the country. This Car Wash project is a laudable initiative that will help young people, who are into car and motorcycle washing, have better and modern car washing skills and a well-structured working environment to carry out their trade.

100.The Ministry of Youth Affairs has sent five (5) young Sierra Leoneans to study in the People’s Republic of China to learn skills in Agriculture and another five (5) in Bridge Engineering.

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs has constituted a project steering committee on Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment. The process to recruit the consulting firm for the skills project is in progress as the National Youth Commission awaits response from AfDB for the ‘no objection’.
• The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs has established the Religious Affairs Secretariat which was officially opened by Hon Vice President and Her Excellency the First Lady;
• The 2018 National Hajj committee established together with the welfare committee. Pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia has been completed with concrete arrangement for accommodation and other logistical support.
• The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs launched Child Welfare and Alternative Care Policies by Hon Vice President. A roll-out plan has been developed and implemented.
• The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs has commissioned Ramp facilities in the Ministry to facilitate access for wheel chair users visiting or working with the Ministry. Ministry has also embarked on public awareness on provisions in the 2011 Persons with Disability Act regarding making public facilities disability friendly.
• The Hon. Minister and Staff of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs visited Mile 6 to acquaint themselves with their challenges. Ministry provided non-food items to affected persons and have sprayed diesel to drive snakes from the environment in a bid to keep them safe.
• The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs has established a Compliance and Programme Coordinating unit to ensure that projects and programmes executed by the Ministry and its partners are fully compliant with the new direction as well as ensuring parity in resource distribution and the avoidance of duplication. Concept note and budget developed, consultation with partners have been carried out which clearly highlighted the need for this unit.
• The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs has produced a zero draft of the 7th Periodic CEDAW Report awaiting technical peer review and validation.
• The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs Provided psychosocial support to 250 Returning Migrants for their social reintegration in society.
• The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs in collaboration with DCI have made a symbolic signing of bilateral SOP with the Guinean counterpart on measures to address cross border child trafficking.
• The Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs conducted tour to regional and district offices and care-given institutions by the Minister to familiarize with issues and foster stronger partnership and collaboration.
• The Athletics Association recently participated in the U20 ECOWAS Championships in Cape Coast, Ghana from the 22nd – 24th June, 2018 and won seven medals – two silver, 1 individual bronze and four bronze (3rd place in the men’s 4×400 meters relay). This has qualified Sierra Leone for the IAAF U20 Championships scheduled for 10th – 18th July in Finland.
• Sierra Leone participated in the just concluded university games in Makelle, Ethiopia (1st – 8th July, 2018) and won a bronze medal.
• Government has approved the hosting of the WAFU Female football tournament in Freetown.
• Sierra Leone, through the Sierra Leone Karate Federation, for the first time hosted the 4th UFAK Zone 2 Karate Championship Cadet, Junior and the Under 21 Championship on 5th – 8th July 2018, in Freetown.
• For the first time in our sporting history, the National Amputee football Team, travelled to Russia on a friendly invitation to attend the ongoing World Cup Tournament.
• Cabinet has approved the project proposal for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Siaka Stevens Stadium. The Rehabilitation work is expected to commence in September 2018 and will include facilities such as the car park, the swimming pool, the stadium main pitch and its facilities, the basket and volley ball courts, the hostels and the practicing field.
• The Ministry of Sports organized a collaborative meeting with the Ministries of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Technical and Higher Education and agreed that the Ban on Schools and University Sports be lifted.
• The Ministry of Sports intends to waive the hiring fees for the use of the stadium in the next academic year for all Government Schools. This will complement the free education agenda in the new direction.
• Commencement of the traditional inter-schools sports competitions will kick start in the new academic year with the inclusion of Mind Game Sports such as Scrabble, Chess and Draught etc.
• The Sierra Leone National University Sports Federation has been established, comprising the Ministry of Sports, the two Education Ministries and the University of Sierra Leone. The Country participated in the 9th Africa University Games in Makelle, Ethiopia from 2nd – 6th July 2018.
• The Ministry of Sport has facilitated the emergence of grassroots sporting activities organized by community-based organisations (CBOs) ensuring the use of sport as a vehicle for social development.
• The impasse in the Football Association is almost resolved and the national league is expected to commence soon.
• The impasse in the Athletics Association has been resolved and they now operate as one National Executive.

 

 

IMPROVING GOVERNANCE

As the Governance Transition Team Report has shown, the state of governance inherited by the SLPP Government has been abysmal. Furtherance to the commitment by His Excellency the President to ensure efficient, political and economic management of the state, the following has been achieved by the Government within the first 100 days in Office:

• The President has established the Office of the Chief Minister which provides a supervisory responsibility for all ministries to ensure Ministers deliver on their one year work plan and five year strategic plan

126. In fulfilment of the manifesto commitment of strengthening public expenditure management, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has been unbundled into the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. In accordance with the law, the Ministry of Finance is charged with the fiduciary responsibilities of both recurrent and development expenditures, while the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development will oversee data collection, national, sectoral and local council planning and monitoring, support as well as coordinate development assistance and provide oversight of NGO activities.

• The Ministry of Education has been separated into two Ministries: Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education and Ministry of Higher and Technical Education.
• The President established the Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation and appointed the first Chief Innovation Officer, Dr David Moinina Sengeh.
• The Office of the Chief Minister through funding by UNDP and DFID organized first Cabinet Retreat from June 22 – June 23 2018 to prioritize and build a high performing team to deliver the President’s New Direction Agenda.
• In furtherance of his commitment to fight corruption, the Governance Transition Team Report was published to the public and Government announced steps to establish the Commission of Inquiry and other recommendations.
• Government took steps to restructure the Anti-Corruption Commission and the appointment of a new commissioner who has hit the ground running from day one by unsealing the sealed indictment.
• To address post-elections violence and build on national cohesion, the President established the cross-political party peace and reconciliation committee to conduct a nationwide inter-party dialogue engagement in resolving post-elections violence.
• The President appointed a woman as the First Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in Sierra Leone.
• The President made a directive that all Public Sector Workers and Government Ministers to be in Office at 8:30am until 4:45pm. This has been widely commended.
• The President declared a National Cleaning Day to be held on 1^st Saturday of each month from 7:00am – 12:00 noon. This has been widely commended.
• The President re-introduced Sunday Trading and Commercial Activities between the periods of 12:00 noon – 5:00pm.
• President Bio has strengthened Sierra Leone’s international reputation and credibility through his leadership role in summits like the African Union and state visits.
• The Ministry of Political and Public Affairs officially launched the Bio-meter Project on the 3^rd July at the British Council. The Bio-meter was implemented by the Institute of Governance Reform as an important governance initiative to promote good governance and democratic culture.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation supported His Excellency the President to participate in the Commonwealth Summit in the UK and facilitated other State Visits to Senegal, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia and Qatar. The Ministry prepared the necessary paper work and accorded the required protocols and courtesies to the President and his delegations.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation supported His Excellency the President taking leadership roles as Coordinator for C-10 and Chairman of the Peace and Security Council in the just concluded Africa Union summit in Mauritania. The Ministry prepared the relevant paper work and accorded the required protocols and courtesies to the President and his delegation.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation helped in the savings made for Government in the repatriation of serving Ambassadors and Attachés. The Ministry provided the required guidance to the Ministry of Finance in ensuring repatriation of serving Ambassadors and Attachés done with reasonable cost to government.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation secured funding from the Embassy of China to support the operations of the Ministry in the absence of budgetary allocation from the GoSL.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation organized a meeting with the diplomatic and consular community, wherein the Minister articulated his vision for the ministry and the country for the years ahead.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation initiated the development of policy guidelines for appointment of Sierra Leone’s Honorary Consuls abroad.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation laid down the procedures for engagements with His Excellency the President and resident Ambassadors and Consuls. No Ambassador or Consul can meet the President without going through the MFAIC.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation initiated with relevant MDAs a dialogue on the management of the Presidential Lounge at Lungi International Airport as per international best practice.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation signed the second phase of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) grant to the tune of US$44 million in support of governance, agriculture and economic growth.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation is reviewing upwards the Refugee Protection Act 2007.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation with support from Pathfinders held a National Consultation Dialogue to support the implementation of SDG 16+ on the 6th June 2018. This initiative will help to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation held a Multi-stakeholder Consultation Forum on Global Compact on safe, orderly and regulated migration organized with support from IOM, UNDP, and EU on the 23rd May 2018.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has installed and operationalized bio-metric staff attendance system.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation engaged relevant MDAs to develop policy guidelines for issuance of Service and Diplomatic passports.
  

IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE

An effective and efficient infrastructure forms the bedrock for sustainable development. Poor infrastructure has been a critical barrier to accelerating growth, enhancing regional integration and reducing poverty. Sierra Leone’s infrastructure remains grossly inadequate and very poorly maintained. Within the First 100 days, the Government of President Bio has achieved the following:

• An agreement was signed on 11^th June 2018 between the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Finance, the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and Karadeniz Powership Kaya Bey Company Limited, (Karpowership), to provide a two-year Utility Grid Infrastructure & Electricity, for the generation of electricity from its Maritime vessel docked in Freetown. The agreement reduced the tariff to 16.4USc/KWh from the original tariff of 19.596USc/KWh negotiated by the former Government. This represents an annual savings of approximately US$9 million.
• The agreement also reduced the duration of the contract from 5 to 2 years (+ 1-year option), in line with the medium term strategy of the energy sector and to minimize Government’s exposure in the event of early termination of the contract. Contract for the supply of 30MW during the Dry Season (7 months) and 15MW during the Rainy Season (5 months)
• A Technical Team provided by the Millennium Challenge Commission (MCC) is currently working with the Ministry of Energy to implement the Action Plan for the Energy Sector Roadmap 2017-2030.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of Energy and UNOPS on 29th June 2018 for the expansion of the Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP) of mini-grids from 54 chiefdoms to 194 chiefdoms.
• The Energy Policy was launched at the Miatta Conference Hall by the Minister of Energy on 30th May 2018.
• Rehabilitation of Bo-Kenema Transmission & Distribution Network ($52M USD) funded by DFID/ADB.
• Ministry of Energy worked with Ministry of Finance to create the Interim Collection Account for EDSA.
• The Ministry of Energy established a Training Center (Digital Lab) at EDSA Murray Town office.
• In the absence of consistent payment from Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) for electricity generated and billed, Government provided funds for procurement of fuel to sustain electricity supply to all EGTC thermal engines across the country.
• The Ministry of Energy commissioned 2X3MW MAN Engines at Kono Power Plant for the supply of electricity to Koidu city.
• Ministry of Information and Communications has dissolve the Attitudinal and Behavioral Secretariat (ABC) as it does synchronize with the New Direction agenda for Good Governance.
• The Ministry of Information and Communications has dissolved the over bloated Universal Access Development Fund Agency (UADF) as it has not delivered on its core mandate which is to drive rural Connectivity. This will be replaced with a more focused and leaner team that will drive rural connectivity.
• The Ministry of Information and Communications has established the Telecom Action Group (TAG) to help set a new trajectory for the delivery of quality and Affordable ICT/Telecom services. This is a multi-sectoral group comprising of Ministry, NATCOM and all the ICT/Telecom service providers to address critical challenges affecting the sector. The ultimate goal is to drive down prices of ICT services in line with regional trend.
• The Ministry of Information and Communications has relocated the Right to Access Information Commission Headquarters and Western Area office to the Post Office Building saving Government over US $ 30,000 Yearly rent. This is in part the Drive to be prudent with government expenditure.
• Ministry of Information and Communications has reviewed the NATCOM Act to reflect emerging trends in the sector and international best practices. The draft reviewed legislation contains among other things, National cyber security components. This Bill is ready for onward submission to the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
• Ministry of Information and Communications has developed a National Data Protection and Privacy Law. Development of a Data Protection and Privacy Law is an international requirement in delivery data driven content.
• The Ministry of Information and Communications has developed the National Electronic Transaction Bill. The Bill will promote e-Commerce and improve our rating in World Bank Doing Business Reform and financial transactions ranking. The New Bill will be tabled in Parliament and once passed, it will enhance admissibility of electronic document in legal proceedings.
• Within the First 100 days, discussions between Ministry of Information and Communications and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice are at an advanced stage in anticipation of a cabinet paper sanctioning the repeal of Part V of the Public Order Act of 1965.
• Ministry of Information and Communications has connected the Canadian College of Technology at mile 91 in the Tonkolili district to the Fibre Optic Backbone to provide broadband services. This a premier ICT training college in the country.
• Ministry of Information and Communications has restored broadband internet to Njala Bo campus that is serving over 3000 students and staff.
• Ministry of Information and Communications has developed a National Digital Migration framework in furtherance of our commitment to fulfil the ITU GE06 mandate for countries to migrate from analogue to digital broadcasting.
• Ministry of Lands, Housing and the Environment successfully conducted a one day Community Engagement Dialogue with community elders on Tuesday 12th June, 2018 at the Miatta Conference Centre on “Their Roles in the Reclamation of State Lands and Protection of the Environment”. Major stakeholders included the Mayor Freetown City Council, Chairpersons, Headmen and Women and the event culminated into the production of a Communique Signed by all Stakeholders indicating maximum support for the Ministry in this venture.

175. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and the Environment spearheaded payments to the tune of Le 7.2 Billion to the property owners at Mortomeh identified in the red zone for demolition as a measure to protect the environment and prevent future mudslide in the country. The Ministry collaborated with the Office of the Chief Minister and Office of National Security.

• The Ministry of Land, Housing and the Environment successfully reviewed the processes and procedures governing the acquisition and management of state lands in the country, especially in the western area.
• The reclamation of state lands in the Western Area is in full gear and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and the Environment has identified areas such as Aberdeen, Gloucester, Mogbegba, Waterloo, etc for eventual reclamation. State land signposts have been erected in some spots around the city. Series of land matters/cases have also been resolved within the Ministry without recourse to the courts.

178. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and the Environment has successfully mediated the long running dispute at Clay factory between the Motor Drivers and other major stakeholders that has paved the way for the commencement of proper operations of all activities at the Clay factory.

• The Ministry of Lands, Housing and the Environment successfully established a community platform at the SLBC called “The Ministry of Lands Hour” in which the policies of the Ministry are relayed to the public for attention.
• Most roads, especially within Freetown experience flooding during the rains. This leads to serious congestion and creates potential danger for all road users and the general public. The Ministry of Works and Public Assets in concert with SLRA and FCC, conducted a survey and ten (10) major points were selected for immediate attention.
• His Excellency the President Commissioned 80 kilometer Bo – Mattru Jong Road as his first big infrastructural project since becoming President.
• The circumstances currently surrounding the maintenance and availability of government quarters for all categories of Government functionaries is nothing short of a crisis. This has imposed hugely exorbitant but avoidable bills on government’s scarce resources. The Ministry of Works and Public Assets has set up an independent committee for the verification of all government quarters nationwide.
• The 9-man independent committee commenced work on Thursday, 5th July 2018 with mandate for: a full inventory of all category of quarters will be compiled; a comprehensive register of all occupants (legal and illegal) of government quarters will also be compiled and an accurate assessment of the status of all quarters will be made possible.
• Youyi Building houses a number of government MDAs. Over time, the safety of the structure and personnel have been compromised. To address this situation, under the guidance of the Deputy Minister of Works and Public Assets, the Ministry is working with partners to conduct an evaluation, quantity survey and documentation for the rehabilitation of Youyi Building.
• The Minister of Works and Public Assets has identified lack of concrete governance policies and framework as a serious gap to effective road infrastructure development, support and maintenance. Such a governance structure provides a clear, transparent and accountable system by which the country can enjoy quality and functional road usage (Durability). Therefore, the Minister has led consultative meetings to design a framework for developing a comprehensive governance system to redress the current lapses.
• Through the Ministry of Water Resources, contract is expected to be signed in September, 2018 for the Construction of Rokel River Water supply system for both phases 1 (100 m3/day) and 2 (100 m3/day).
• Water supply has been provided for up to 50% to the population in Bo, Kenema and Makeni through the operationalisation of the three (3) Towns Water Supply Projects in Bo, Makeni and Kenema.
• Through the Ministry of Water Resources, US$20M funding is now available for the extension of pipe network to ensure full operationalisation from 90 to 100% of the three (3) Towns Water Supply Projects in Bo, Makeni and Kenema.
• The Ministry of Water Resources is in the process of setting up of National Water Resource Management Agency.
• Funds secured from DFID (US $45M) for the rehabilitation of GUMA Network.
• 1,266 Water Points constructed in Kambia, Bonthe, Kono, Pujehun & Koinadugu District under the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
• 316 Sanitation facilities completed in Kambia, Bonthe, Kono, Pujehun & Koinadugu District under the Rural Water and Sanitation Project
• Construction of 49 solar powered boreholes and 63 Hand Dug Wells is ongoing in Kenema, Kailahun, Kono, Karene, Tonkolili Bombali and Kambia Districts. 90 percent of the work has been done and final evaluation will be done by the UAE Team in July 2018 and Commissioning will be done in August 2018.
• The Ministry of Water Resources has embarked on promotion of rainwater harvesting systems in Kambia, Kono and Pujehun. Work is now 60% to completion and expected to be completed in July 2018.
• The Ministry of Water Resources has embarked on the construction of 8 Boreholes in Kono, Kambia and Pujehun. Construction work is now 50% to completion as all Boreholes have been drilled. Facilities are expected to be completed by August 2018.
• The Ministry of Water Resources is engaged in the construction of 3 Spring Boxes in Kambia, Pujehun and Kono. The work is now 50% to completion. Facilities are expected to be completed by August 2018.
• The Ministry of Water Resources is rehabilitating 1 Gravity Fed System in Kono. Construction work is now 50% to completion. Facility is expected to be completed by August 2018.
• The Ministry of Water Resources engaged in the promotion of rainwater harvesting systems in Freetown. The construction work is now 50% to completion. Facilities will be completed by July 2018.
• The Ministry of Water Resources embarked on installation of 40 potable water tanks in deprived communities in Freetown. The work is on-going and at 90% completion rate. It is expected to be completed by Mid-July 2018.
• When the new Government assumed office, 9(nine) Water Bowsers were not in operation and the response was at a halt due to non-availability of funds. Now we have 4(Four) Operational Bowers and spares ordered from abroad to maintenance the rest of the Bowsers as they are not available in-country. All Bowsers are expected to be operational by August 2018. 4,450,000 litres of water was delivered to various community tanks. 27 Dormant tanks were re-activated. Community water supply is now delivered within schedule.