By Ragan M. Conteh

Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, senior Opposition MP, gave hears out his critiques on 2025 Budget earlier presented in Parliament on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

His speech highlighted key challenges in sectors like education, water, sanitation, healthcare, and infrastructure, underscoring the need for sustainable and equitable solutions to improve the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.

Hon Kamara acknowledged for 25% salary increase for workers, he criticized its inadequacy due to soaring prices on goods and food caused by the inflation.

He argued that market inflation on items far exceeds economic inflation reports, making the increment insufficient for the average citizen.

While commending the budget’s allocation to education, including subsidies, school feeding, and public examinations, Hon Abdul Karim Kamara questioned the persistent struggles faced by students in examinations periods. He also raised concerns about inadequate sanitation facilities in schools, which he deems critical for students’ dignity and welfare.

Hon Kamara criticized the water sector allocation, noting that improvements are concentrated on the affluent areas like IMATT in west of Freetown, thereby leaving out the majority of Freetown slum residents of a reliable access to water use.

He advocated for private sector investment to address the crisis and ensure broader water availability.

While he appreciated road projects connecting rural areas, Kamara highlighted delays and unfulfilled promises in infrastructure development, and he therefore urged for timely implementation of road projects to be done to boost economic activities there.

Hon Kamara condemned the insufficient funding for the judiciary, highlighting poor working conditions for magistrates and judges, including the lack of vehicles. He also criticized the healthcare system for its reliance on external pharmacies, which he argued compromises drug quality and availability.

Accountability in Social Programs, Kamara called for transparency in social welfare programs like cash transfers, alleging that beneficiaries often do not meet the intended criteria.

Hon. Kamara urged the Minister of Finance and Parliament to prioritize equitable resource allocation, improve accountability, and address systemic inefficiencies to uplift the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.