As part of measures to ensure that Sierra Leoneans have access to clean and safe water supply as well as clean environment, the African Development Bank (AfDB) yesterday signed an additional $1 million loan agreement with the West African country for water and sanitation projects for three of its cities.
The agreement was signed at the Mahatma Mandir Centre, venue of the 52nd Annual Meetings of the AfDB. While Janvier Litse, AfDB Director-General for West Africa signed on behalf of the Bank, Patrick S. Conteh, Sierra Leone’s Minister of State for Finance and Economic Development signed on behalf of the Sierra Leonean government.
Litse said the Bank was motivated to sign further agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone thanks to its efficient utilization of a previous loan granted by the AfDB. In addition to the $1million loan, the Bank approved $13.50 million of outstanding loans to leverage infrastructure in the country.
On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, Conteh appreciated the efforts of the AfDB in ensuring that Sierra Leoneans have access to clean and safe water supply and clean environment. To him, water and development issues are important to the government of Sierra Leone. He promised judicious use of the loan by the government of President Ernest Bai Koroma.
“We are happy that the project is at the stage of completion. The impact on the community cannot be underestimated. Sanitation issue remains challenging, but then, with this project it will impact the lives of the people,” said Conteh.
By Pita Ochai
