By Ragan M. Conteh
The Minister of Works and Public Assets, Peter Bayoku Konteh, has stated that the Treaty, which was brought to Parliament for approval, would include the construction of a 6 lane highway, which is aimed at connecting countries in the West African sub-region.
“It would reduce barriers to trade and provide for railway infrastructural development and air transportation among countries constituting the corridor,” Peter Bayoku Konteh said.
He made disclosure on Tuesday 13th July 2021 during the debate and approval of the treaty on the establishment of the Dakar-Abidjan Corridor connecting Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Senegal.
The road will boost the economic development and advancement of Sierra Leone and the other countries in the West African sub-region.
He informed that the project would be implemented by the ECOWAS Commission, but that Sierra Leone and Liberia were yet to ratify the Treaty.
In the area of the cost of ratification, he said once the project was ratified and implemented, it would immensely benefit women, children, traders and agricultural activities in the sub-region.
The Member of Parliament representing Constituency 132, Hon Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, spoke about the importance of the corridor relating to trade and other economic benefits. He also noted that Sierra Leone has done a lot with regards infrastructural development.
Speaking on sea and land in light of transportation, he said the implementation of the project would provide a huge relief to the country in improving on its road infrastructure without being indebted.
The Member of Parliament from Kailahun, Hon. Hindolo M. Gevao, underscored job opportunities from the project, particularly for women and youth, and added that such connectivity is necessary for regional development.
Speaking on the safety of trade, along the corridor and revenue mobilization, he recalled how the international market at Koindu was generating additional revenue for Government.
Hon Abubakarr Fonanah, from Kenema, also spoke on security and the necessity of the Treaty. He called on colleague MPs to speedily approve it to improve on trade and transportation in the sub-region.
The Leader of Coalition for Change (C4C) in Parliament, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, disclosed that the Treaty is not controversial and recalled how some similar documents have been approved by Parliament.
He highlighted the significance of the ECO currency, which is the proposed single currency, and its role in promoting trade in the sub-region. He agreed with Hon. Gevao’s point that it would help greatly in the area of revenue generation for Government.
The Chief Whip of the Opposition, Hon. Hassan Sesay, also underscored the importance of regional trade and linked it to the necessity of the West Africa Power Pool’s connectivity through energy.
He referenced the need of land transportation, adding that such a corridor would foster regional trade and also enhance and promote economic cooperation and integration.
The Leader of the Opposition APC, Hon. Chernor R.M. Bah, said that the project is highly considered by ECOWAS for the promotion of trade and regional integration.
He noted that ECOWAS is yet to have the funds for implementation, but it would use the visibility document to source funding in light of ratification.
The Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, said the Treaty was essential and that ECOWAS would use this ratification to secure the necessary funding for implementation.
He also spoke on the benefit Sierra Leoneans, living around the corridor, would derive from the implementation of the project. He called for the speedy ratification of the Treaty.