By patfal9
Speaker Applause Transport Minister
9th November,2023. Wall of Parliament.
The Honorable Speaker of Parliament , Dr. Chernor Abass Bundu has applauded the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Colonel ( Rtd ) Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq. on his maiden appearance in the Wall of Parliament for what he described as “a soft landing with no dashing and a cross party approval from Honorable Members of Parliament on the debate of the Rail and Ports Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Kingho Rail and Port Company Ltd”.
He made this statement in the Wall of Parliament on Thursday, 9th November, 2023 during the debate and ratification of the Constitution railway and port agreement for the development of Sierra Leone.
The following agreement was approved by Parliament:
Railway and Port Lease Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited
Presenting the motion, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Colonel (Rtd) Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq. maintained that , the agreement was very important, adding that , the railway could play a pivotal role in that direction, especially for the transportation of iron ore and agricultural wares.
Pointing out that , Kingho is a subsidiary to Leone Rock.
Minister Turay Esq. informed that, the agreement is in line with the government development agenda.
He highlighted the positivity of the railway and port, in light of operational activities, investment potential, human capital, revenue sharing, operational transparency and long time commitment amongst others. Multiple utilization of the railway and port by other parties was also pointed out by the Minister as an integral part of the agreement and also government regulations.
He reassured the house that, the railway would boost the economy and develop the transport sector, as well as to create jobs.
He used the opportunity to tell the Honourable House to collectively support the agreement, adding that, it would lay the foundation for railway and port in the country.
The Chairman of Transport and Aviation Oversight Committee in Parliament, Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby expressed thanks to the Minister and team. He lauded the agreement and added that, it is in the interest of the people and emphasized that the agreement is stipulated for 20 years, with possible extension.
He highlighted some of the important ingredients of the agreement including the payment of surface rent, and user parties amongst others.
Deputy Leader 2 of Government Business who is also the Chairman Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon Saa Emerson Lamina said the agreement sought the interest of the State, the people and the company.He added that, it would improve the employment sector.
He added that the agreement would promote the President’s ‘Feed Salone’ through the transportation of food into the urban markets.
He emphasized on the maintenance aspect of the company and its monitoring mechanism.
He said the agreement is rich and would support the socio-economic agenda of President Bio.
He highlighted many good things about the company including the payment of surface rent and taxation. “This agreement would improve investors confidence” he assured.
“Five thousand, two hundred Sierra Leoneans are working for the company” he revealed.
The Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Rogers described the agreement as a very rich document and informed the House that the company is going to benefit the country.
He suggested to the Transport Ministry to have railway investors to establish rail facility in other districts, in order to be able to convey more goods and food items into the markets.
In his submission, Leader of the Opposition, Hon Abdul Kargbo expressed hope to have more investors in Sierra Leone and said that the lack of investment affects foreign exchange and development.
He said any agreement that has not been approved by Parliament is not proper and spoke about investors’ confidence in the country.
He maintained that , it was an embarrassment to the nation, when the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources signed an agreement for same facility with Arise Company, calling for an investigation into the matter.
He lauded the Kingho agreement and emphasized that it was not a bad agreement.
He called for proper monitoring of the railway and port for the use of other parties and to ensure proper maintenance. “We are not opponents to the development of this nation, we are proponents of the development of the nation” he stated.
The Leader of Government Business, Hon.Mathew Sahr Nyuma thanked the opposition and clarified some issues earlier raised relating to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources. He said his Government is in compliance with taxation and other best practices, in light of the agreement. He positively elaborated on the content of the document.
“This is a very good agreement” he disclosed and calculated the surface rent amounting to USD 250,000 annually and with a 5% increment annually.
He described the agreement as a very beautiful document that is in compliance with the 1991 Constitution.
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