By Ragan M. Conteh
2024 Financial Act continues to garther bubbles but many Sierra Leoneans have shifted their focus on the fight against Kush while leaving such important issue unchecked.
This act contains some implications pointing to the daily existence of the people yet the government is playing safe to catapult its way out.
Mnay people belive the finance act will leave the citizens to become paralyzed as there is proclivity for it to add more burden on the citizens, especially the uncalled-for tax increments.
Who bears the brunts of it all? Who gets to endure the 5% increment on rice importation and other goods at this crucial economic time? How many ordinary citizens that will be able to afford a bag of rice?
Advocates say average Sierra Leoneans will continue to suffer and the poor will continue to perish!
On the 28 March 2024, the debate resumed as Opposition Parliamentarians stood firm to ensure that the decision taken by the government to implement such an act should be reverted for the welfare of the masses.
During the debate, Opposition Chief Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara inevitably illuminated on the agriculture sector as one of the most significant institutions in a government.
In his statement, he disclosed that the government major flagship programme: The ‘Feed Salone’ has no assurance for the administration to live up to its expectations considering what is unfolding day by day in the country.
Opposition Chief Whip emphasized that all the statements being made by the government of procuring agriculture implements have been in existence prior to now.
He went on to narrate that the distribution of seedlings have been one of the issues that have been affecting good yields as government normally disburses seeds to the farmers in June when the actual cultivation period is almost elapsed.
He therefore pointed out that it’s due to the little amount of fund being allocated into the research institution could be one of the factors affecting the sector to carry out an effective and efficient research methodology.
In addition, Hon. Mabinty Taylor Bangura from Kambia District succinctly described the government to be deceitful: “Here is a government that has decided to put empty spoon in to our mouths.”
Hon. Member warned the government to be very careful in handling the issues affecting the citizens as an hungry man is an angry man.
Also, Hon. Larkoh notified the government of the citizens’ cries.
“The people of this country are suffering.”
Hee said an increments on food stuff , cement and iron rod it would affect to all walks of life be seriously affeted because the above are the life savings commodities.
He continued to interrogate the colleage MPs asking that how would government increases a 5% on rice which is the main diet for Sierra Leoneans and also increases 10% on iron rod and cement without due consideration?
He concluded that it is the responsibility from the other side (the government ) to be nationalistic in the debate by looking at issues and bring solutions that seek to help the masses.
They should not deliberate on issues that undermine the living standards of the people.
Furthermore, Hon. Daniel Fornah from Tonkolili District equally lamented on the poor living conditions of his residents: “People of Tonkolili are tired of buying a bag of rice at Le 800.”
The lawmaker reminded the house that during 2018 general elections President Maada Bio outrightly stated that it’s unacceptable for Sierra Leoneans to purchase a bag of rice at Le 250 and the people deserve good living condition.
The MP said what is surfacing in the president’s tenure in the area of food security accounts for a worst sitaution since time immemorial.