Opinion
By Septimus Kanu, Freetown.
Platinum Media has disturbing revelations about government projects that have either got stuck or going at a "chameleonic" pace, apparently as a result of the incompetence of those charged with the responsibility to implement them.
We recently zoomed in on two projects; the proposed Solar Street Lights and on-going road works in Freetown by the Gento Group.
Solar Lights
On 7th November 2014, the Ministry of Energy advertised a bid for the supply and installation of 50,000 solar street lights in Freetown and all Chiefdom headquarters. According to the release issued by the Procurement Unit of the Energy Ministry, "The request for the Expression of Interest follows the successful pilot of 8,880 Solar Street Lights Installed Nationwide founded by the India Exim Bank, GoSL and EBID...."
Two years down the line we are yet to see any sign of the so called Solar Street Lights Project in our towns and cities, save for the existing ones.
GENTO Roadworks
Pedestrians and motorists in Freetown have expressed concern over the very slow pace at which the King Harman, Hill Cot and Hill Station Roads are being reconstructed by the GENTO construction company.
What is shocking is the fact that the same company has been awarded another contract to construct the Waterloo township roads.
Platinum Media considers this move as a blatant disregard for Sierra Leoneans who need more good roads to enhance their daily movements.
According to an observer, "this is clearly a reward for failure as the GENTO Group has spent over three years constructing these roads."
We are calling on government for an immediate review of the 50,000 solar street lights project and the GENTO road contract.
Our people deserve better.
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