MoPED Highlights ECOWAS Mediation in Sierra Leone Post-Flood Recovery Program at Moyamba District

Madam Kenyeh Barlay, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), led a significant aid distribution at Tiama Secondary School in Tiama, where she highlighted the development contributions of ECOWAS to Sierra Leone. The event provided 280 flood victims from Kori Chiefdom, Moyamba District, with quality NERICA seed rice, fertilizers, hygiene kits, and cash.

This initiative is part of the “ECOWAS Post-2022 Flood Recovery Assistance-Sierra Leone Project,” funded by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) this event happens on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Each beneficiary received essential agricultural supplies, including a bag of seed rice and fertilizers, along with transportation to return home. The project aims to support 12 communities in Kori Chiefdom, following severe flooding in 2022. President Julius Maada Bio, who lobbied ECOWAS for this support, emphasized the importance of agricultural development and resilience in the wake of natural disasters.

In his welcome address, Chief of Kori Chiefdom, Mr. Peter Yambasu, warmly greeted all attendees of the ceremony. He proudly revealed that Kori Chiefdom is not only blessed with abundant resources but also boasts a larger population compared to the other affected chiefdoms. This distinction underscores the significance of the post-flood recovery efforts in this area.

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During the distribution event, Minister Barlay highlighted her Ministry’s role in national planning and resource management. She outlined Sierra Leone’s Mid-Term National Development Plan priorities, focusing on five key areas: agricultural development, education and healthcare, youth employment, infrastructure, and civil service reform. She further recounts the in-roads done by the ECOWAS Commission to Sierra Leone, including security, education, health and infrastructure to name a few.

The ECOWAS Resident representative to Sierra Leone, Amb. Harouna Moussa emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting flood-affected communities in Sierra Leone. He underscored the importance of resilience and solidarity among member states.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture II, Mr. Sahr Hemoe, called on farmers to utilize the provided resources effectively to boost food security and reduce reliance on imported goods. He detailed the government’s efforts to ensure the quality and timely delivery of seed rice and fertilizers. He mentioned the establishment of a Seed Bank to support future agricultural needs.

Representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the Directorate of Food and Nutrition also participated, highlighting efforts to support vulnerable women and children. The event concluded with the distribution of the donated items to the beneficiaries.