By Donstance Koroma
Members of Parliament have raised serious concerns over the amount of money allocated to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) 2019 Budget.
Hon. Ibrahim Kamara, of Constituency 063 in Karena District, noted that it is disheartening and discouraging to see the first West Africa broadcaster housed in a dilapidated structure, with outdated and sub-standard equipment.
He said the national broadcaster has, over the years, suffered unduly under many governments, as the Corporation was not receiving regular budget allocation from governments.
The lawmaker therefore informed the Deputy Minister of Finance, Patricia Lavallie, that SLBC needs urgent financial attention. He pointed out that the one billion leones allocated to the SLBC is unfair.
Hon. Hassan Sesay stated that it is ironical that the Africa Young Voices (AYV) is making tremendous strides in the television industry while the national broadcaster is lagging behind.
The acting opposition Leader pointed out that, out of the thirty one billion leones (Le31b) requested by SLBC, the allocation of a billion leones is nothing but ridiculous.
Hon. Francis Kaisamba referenced the condition of the SLBC, which is really appalling. Hon Kaisamba also wanted to know where the South Korea fund for the revamping of the Corporation, during the previous regime, went. He urged the Ministry of Finance to consider the SLBC in the Supplementary Budget.
In his contribution, Hon. Mohamed Bangura noted that the SLBC should be taken seriously, with at least 15 billion leones allocated to them if they are to compete with the Africa Young Voice and Star Television Stations.
“Under my watch, as Minister of Information and Communications for 14 months, I took SLBC to the provinces,” Hon Bangura pointed out.