By Alpha Amadu Jalloh
Mr. President, today I feel compelled to take a different tone. For once, I must begin by saying: well done! Yes, Mr. President, well done indeed. The completion and launch of the first-ever steel factory in Sierra Leone, perhaps even in West Africa, is a significant milestone, one that holds promise for economic development and industrial transformation in our beloved country. However, as much as I commend this achievement, I must remind you that this is not solely your triumph.
This steel factory, Mr. President, is a collective effort. It is the result of many hands coming together: the visionaries who dared to dream of such an enterprise, the hardworking Sierra Leoneans who contributed their skills and labor, and the supportive ministers who guided the developmental framework. You, Mr. President, may have provided the enabling environment, but you cannot lay sole claim to the glory. This accomplishment should remind us all of the power of collaboration and the need to build on it.
Now, Mr. President, let’s address the critical issue of implementing job creation at this factory. It is no secret that in the past, the recruitment processes for government-linked projects have often been marred by favoritism, nepotism, and political patronage. Knowing your administration’s tendencies, I am almost certain that some of your loyalists are already scheming in the background. They are likely collecting names, whispering promises, and declaring that jobs at the steel factory will be reserved for members of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
But, Mr. President, Sierra Leone is not just for the SLPP. This factory belongs to all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of political affiliation, tribe, or region. Let us ensure that this time, things are different. Allow the factory’s management to operate independently, employing qualified individuals based on merit, not connections. This is an opportunity to unite the country and build “Mama Salone” together.
Mr. President, I must also caution against allowing your wife, members of your government, or your political party to exploit this steel factory for personal or political gain. Do not let it become a campaign tool or a family project. Instead, let it serve as a symbol of national pride and progress as a place where Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life can come together to contribute to our shared development.
Another critical issue that warrants transparency, Mr. President, is the ownership of this factory. Is it fully Sierra Leonean-owned? If not, who are the partners? Are we partnering with foreign entities, such as the Chinese or other international investors? The people of Sierra Leone have a right to know the details of this partnership. Transparency in ownership and revenue allocation is crucial. Sierra Leoneans must see how this factory will benefit the nation and not just a select few.
Revenue generated by the factory must be channeled into the right places to fund sustainable development projects, improve infrastructure, and uplift the lives of ordinary citizens. This is not just an industrial milestone; it is an opportunity to change the economic trajectory of our nation.
Mr. President, the workers at this factory must be given proper training to ensure their success. This training should not be limited to a specific group, such as the youth, but should be accessible to all Sierra Leoneans, including women. Employment must be based on qualifications and dedication, not political allegiance. Additionally, the jobs created must provide decent wages that enable workers to meet their basic needs and live with dignity.
A decent paycheck, Mr. President, is not just a moral obligation; it is a practical one. When employees are paid fairly, they are less likely to resort to unethical practices like theft or bribery to make ends meet. This benefits not just the workers but the company and the nation as a whole.
On a broader scale, this steel factory must address one of Sierra Leone’s pressing issues: the high cost of construction materials. For too long, the exorbitant prices of iron rods and other building materials have stifled development and made housing inaccessible for many. With this factory in operation, we hope to see a reduction in these costs, making construction more affordable for ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Moreover, this factory has the potential to become a significant player in the international market, exporting steel products and generating much-needed foreign exchange for Sierra Leone. This could be a turning point for our economy, but only if the revenues are managed responsibly and reinvested into the nation’s growth.
Mr. President, let me conclude with a word of caution. Let this factory not become another “cash cow” for funding unnecessary travels or other frivolous expenditures. We have seen too many opportunities squandered because of mismanagement and greed. This is a chance to do things differently, to prioritize the needs of the people over personal or political interests.
So yes, Mr. President, I commend you for this achievement. But as I thank you, I must also remind you that the success of this steel factory lies not just in its completion but in its operation, management, and impact on the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
You have done well to reach this point, but the journey is far from over. The real test will be in how you and your administration handle this opportunity. Will you rise to the occasion and make this factory a symbol of unity and progress? Or will it become yet another missed opportunity, bogged down by the usual vices of favoritism, corruption, and mismanagement?
Mr. President, as I often say, “Nor to Ayen rod wi dae yeat o.”. This factory must go beyond its symbolic value. It must deliver tangible benefits for all Sierra Leoneans.
The ball is in your court, Mr. President. Let this be a legacy you can truly be proud of.
