Professor David Francis Sierra Leone Chief Minister has faced serious criticisms from members of the public over a leaked memo he originated from a schedule Cabinet retreat in Freetown
The Chief Minister responsible for the supervision and coordination of various Ministerial Performance contracts was quoted as saying that the Government of President firmly remains on track in the delivery of its manifesto commitment.
He noted that even though there are challenges, yet much progress has been made in laying the foundations for a prosperous Sierra Leone.
The Chief Minister has went further to highlighted what he referred to as key achievements of the New Direction Government for the almost two years in office.
Professor Francis noted that amongst these achievements the government of President Bio has been able to pay USD 1.2 million dollar debt inherited from ten APC, control government deficit borrowing; provided sustainable electricity supply to Sierra Leoneans especially in the Western Area; Supplied 506 ambulances across the country to respond to emergency health issues including a host of other claims.
The memo which immediately went viral on social media has prompted various responses from members of the public.
Many believed that the Chief Minister had presented a number of achievements which are either not feasible on the ground or were already achieved before the coming of this administration.
Many citizens especially those outside Makeni and Freetown have challenged the issue of sustainable electricity.
The public has also expressed concerns that the government would take credit for issues such as procurement of ambulance, commissioning of forty eight hospitals, commissioning of roads etc.
The Chief Minister was castigated for rather painting a rosy picture of his Government when things are actually not fine on the ground.
A very senior individual of the business community was quick to maintain the total debt announced by the government of having inherited from the APC was around 2 billion dollars and how comes that they could have paid USD 1.2 million dollars and many of them have still not been paid.
The 30% increment for teachers is set to commence in June,2020 while the Lungi Bridge project also captured as an achievement by the Chief Minister remains a dream.
The latest release from the Chief Minister has brought to the fore his ability to effectively coordinate and supervise the functions of various Ministries under the Government.
Many Sierra Leoneans just after his appointment were of the view that his position had conflicted with the mandate of the Vice President under the 1991 constitution.
Since his appointment Sierra Leoneans are still questioning what is it that is different from what the Vice President is doing?
Chief Minister’s Assessment of New Direction Government Boomerangs
