Sierra Lonne

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Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan MTNDP 2019-2023 which lasted for a period of four (4) years is currently out of date. However, it made provision for infrastructure development.

The Government of Sierra Leone’s primary objective of developing quality infrastructure for economic competitiveness and socio-economic development is compatible with the long-term agenda of becoming a middle-income country. This agenda incorporates the provision of a stable and affordable energy supply, transportation, water systems, waste management, and ICT, while also promoting private sector growth and manufacturing.

Transportation

The strategic objective is to plan, develop, and implement infrastructure development in an integrated, holistic, and cross-sectoral manner that will increase connection and safety for better utilisation and broader benefit across the country. It aimed to implement the following:

  • Expanded public transport facilities in all major cities by upgrading jetties for water transport and launching a railway rehabilitation project, thereby expanding inter-urban transport.
  • All laws, rules, and regulations of direct importance to the sector are revised and reconciled, removing all conflicts in legislation that affect the smooth and effective governance of institutions within the transport sector.
  • Domestication of all nine International Maritime Organisation mandatory instruments.
Energy

The strategic objective is to produce/generate and distribute adequate electricity and power from renewable and clean sources for increased access by the majority of the population. It aimed to implement the following by the end of the period:

  • Restore electricity in all district headquarters and cities.
  • Increase electricity generation from 25 to 60 per cent.
  • Increase installed electric capacity from the current 100 megawatts to 350 megawatts.
  • Increase the country’s capacity for renewable energy (solar and hydro) contribution to 65 per cent.
  • 20 villages and eight towns in each district connected to the national grid or off-grid standalone schemes.
Water & Sanitation

The strategic objective is to increase access to clean potable water for the population and to improve sanitation through relevant infrastructure. It aimed to implement the following:

  • Increase water supply and distribution nationwide.
  • Implement reforms to unbundle the water sector.
  • Review the regulatory framework governing the water sector.
  • Improve coordination, collaboration, planning, and implementation among actors.
  • Ensure the National Water Resources Management Agency is established and functional.
ICT

The strategic objective is to improve ICT services for increased access and affordable cost in order to ensure that it is integrated into all development initiatives for growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and building a digital economy. It aimed at implementing the following:

  • All cities and district headquarter towns are accessible by modern ICT services, especially Internet.
  • 30 per cent of the population is penetrated by broadband.
  • Mobile penetration has increased to 80 per cent of the population up to chiefdom levels.

Waste Management

The strategic objective is to properly dispose off waste in a manner that is less harmful to human health and the environment while exploring the potential for employment, innovation, energy, and agriculture It aimed at implementing the following:

  • Invest in waste management systems for all cities and district headquarters.
  • Review and improve the legal framework on waste management.
  • Empower cities and councils, through decentralisation, to be fully in charge of waste disposal.
  • Mobilise the population (through education and participation) for improved waste collection and disposal.
  • Invest in the innovative conversion of waste to energy.

Commentary

The Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019-2023) is a commendable and forward-thinking policy which requires further strengthening. The plan tackles essential infrastructure areas and shows a clear commitment to improving energy, water, transportation, waste management and ICT. These areas are vital for Sierra Leone’s socio-economic growth. However, this policy should be subject to continuity in order to achieve its objectives. In addition, measurable targets should be included to enable effective monitoring and implementation.

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