By Jariatu S. Bangura
Photo of Hon. Emerson Lamina
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, the Member of Parliament for Kono District and Deputy Leader of Parliament 2, has expressed deep concern over the slow progress of the Kono University of Science and Technology project by its contractors.
In February 2021, Parliament approved a $34 million loan agreement with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to establish the university in Koidu Town.
The initiative aimed to address the historical lack of higher education infrastructure in Kono, a district that has significantly contributed to Sierra Leone’s economy through its diamond resources.
“If a contractor cannot prove they are competent enough to pre-finance projects awarded to them, they shouldn’t be given any contracts,” Hon. Lamina stated, emphasizing that contractors should not wait on government funding before executing their projects.
He hailed the project as a means to “correct a historical injustice,” stressing the district’s longstanding contributions to the nation and the urgent need for educational development. Despite initial enthusiasm and the official launch of the project in November 2021, progress has been significantly slow.
Hon. Lamina urged the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to hold contractors accountable, stating that underperforming companies should be blacklisted. He added that if the ministry hesitated to take action, Parliament would intervene to ensure contract termination where necessary.
He noted that the Kono University building project is within his constituency, and students are demanding transparency and accountability regarding its completion. According to him, students are frustrated with the ongoing delays, as they are forced to move from one temporary building to another for lectures.
Recalling his own experience of attending a displaced university, Hon. Lamina described it as a difficult period and insisted that no student should have to endure a similar situation.
“As lawmakers from Kono, we want to see this project succeed and become a lasting legacy for future generations,” he declared. “We will continue to carry out our oversight role as Kono MPs until this project is completed.”
He further emphasized that it would be unfortunate if the first batch of students had to graduate from another location when they already have a designated university site, yet the contractors are working at a slow pace.
