By Jariatu S. Bangura
Sierra Leone’s House of Parliament
During the ongoing 2025 budget debate, several Members of Parliament (MPs) raised pressing concerns about healthcare, education, gender-based violence, and resource allocation, highlighting significant gaps in service delivery and governance across Sierra Leone.
Hon. Amara Momoh Kargbo, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) representing the Western Area Rural District, called on the Ministry of Health to provide a mobile ambulance service to his community.
While commending the government for constructing health facilities in rural districts, he lamented the absence of ambulance services in the Western Area Rural District, despite their official launch in the region.
He underscored the ongoing suffering of residents who face dire health emergencies without adequate transportation to medical facilities.
Hon. Kargbo also praised the strides made in improving electricity nationwide but urged the government to allocate more resources to the fisheries sector, which he described as vital for Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, Hon. Rosy R. Kanu from the Western Area Urban District highlighted challenges in the education sector.
She decried the inadequate distribution and accessibility of school learning materials, calling on the government to strengthen teacher training and capacity-building programs to enhance the quality of education.
On gender-based violence, Hon. Kanu urged the government to move beyond rhetoric and increase tangible support for victims, particularly in rural areas. While acknowledging the legal and policy measures introduced to protect women, she noted the continued rise in domestic violence cases and the lack of adequate mental health support for survivors.
She also stressed the need for increased budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Social Welfare to address the proliferation of substance abuse, particularly the growing use of “kush” among youth.
Additionally, Hon. Kanu called for the construction of township roads in Allen Town and its surrounding areas to improve connectivity and infrastructure development in her constituency.
Hon. Mohamed Sheridan Kamara from Kambia District expressed concern over the ballooning wage bill, which he attributed to the establishment of unnecessary offices and appointments.
He criticized the uneven distribution of resources among the three branches of government, pointing out that the judiciary receives minimal budgetary allocation despite its critical role in upholding the rule of law.
In contrast, Hon. Umu Pyne from Moyamba District commended the government for marginal improvements in primary healthcare.
She highlighted an increase in the health budget from 7% to 9% and credited health partners for their contributions, which have led to the expansion of Primary Health Units (PHUs) and reductions in infant and maternal mortality rates. However, she emphasized the need for sustained efforts to further strengthen the healthcare system, as mandated by the 1991 Constitution.
The MPs’ collective calls reflect the urgent need for the government to address systemic gaps in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare to improve the living standards of Sierra Leoneans, particularly in underserved communities.
