Commentary.
Isatu Sema Aisha Sillah (Mrs.), London.
The pre-voting socio-political atmosphere within Sierra Leone and the Diaspora is very spectacular with great expectations and tensions mounting amongst political parties and their supporters/voters.
As a political and development analyst of the socio-political dynamics in Sierra Leone, it is my ardent desire and concern at this precarious point in our history to draw the attention of all Sierra Leoneans and in particular to the eventual winner of the presidency to the all important issue of filth plaguing our country like decaying tartar accumulating on a diseased tooth or gum.
I must take this special privilege to admonish the next president that this time around, the people’s power is manifest and it is reminiscent of the French revolution in many ways; therefore he should be ready to work assiduously when he assumes office in order to ensure and fulfil the high expectations of the masses. He is in for a marathon of developmental paradigms, result oriented, with concurrent constant probing by the electorate; but another constant should be an unflinching disposition to introduce and undertake a radical socio-political, developmental and cultural agenda akin to that of the Chinese- and see their rate of development today!
Firstly however, is the issue of present and continuous danger - FILTH. Due to the acute nature of the filth problem he should come to terms with my early admonishment over the issue and get ready to work ASAP.
I am imploring him with THE UTMOST urgency that immediate focus should be directed on how to combat this plague and to initiate robust modalities and solid/sustainable structures that will put an end to this scenario of perpetual squalor in what used to be the pearl/paradise of West Africa’.
His Excellency need not be told that our capital city is in a state of disrepair, it is way beyond that. He should prioritise both the cleaning of the city and venture to change the existing post-colonial structures of the sewage system before his first 100 days and settling down into any official business. The sewage system existing in the city is an 18th century model and is weeping for a change into contemporary sewage systems in developed countries.
The city in general depicts a picture of neglect by civilians and health and safety officials, unorganised street trading and blatant disregard of traffic rules and basic hygiene by many, mostly not out of choice as the drivers themselves have to manoeuvre and meander around the filth and squalor and preoccupied pedestrians. Such practises must stop as they pose a health hazard to both Sierra Leoneans and foreign visitors.
It is no wonder the high death rates in the country.
Attracting foreign investors under such circumstances will be very difficult as the country is simply unsavoury.
The electorate on the other hand have a pivotal and dynamic role to play in order to change the ugly scenario of squalid living conditions by many in Freetown.
As witnessed, the turn out of the electorate both young and old at polling stations on Election Day nationwide and the civilised, patient way they conducted and exemplified themselves awaiting election results and run off has so far shown their willingness, enthusiasm and commitment towards a peaceful and positive political transition. They all deserve a standing ovation and I am proud to be a Sierra Leonean because of their conduct. This has sent positive signals to the international community.
Such passion and conduct exhibited so far is a clear indication that who ever emerges victorious should waste no time in engendering the social contract of developmental partnership with them that he will avow to keep or they will come after him with one voice-the people’s ultimate power.
They must usher in the new president by a patriotic show of city cleansing. The youths, women and all must be prepared and encouraged to set the new government in motion by engaging in a week long clean the city campaign. Volunteers should come up to direct THE AFFAIRS of this cleaning exercise.
I am optimistic that when such a laudable venture (but also some how laughable) is undertaken by the people, His Excellency will not just be flabbergasted; flattered rather, he will fall for the people’s political courtship, the confidence they repose in him and will ensure a fulfilment of many Sierra Leoneans’ dream of a just, peaceful and sanitised capital.
I am quite confident that a worthy son of the land will emerge as our next president and his reign will be remembered positively or negatively by generations yet unborn, on the basis of the key decisions he makes within the first 100 days in office. This is a dream I wish he could actualise.
Let us all cheer up and continue to pray for the final showers of blessings and the dawn of a new era void of blatant tribalism and nepotism, unbridled corruption and regionalism and the perpetual sub-standard of our peoples’ living conditions. Long live the republic of Sierra Leone and all glory be to the people’s aspirations!!!
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