By Nelson Adebayo Johnson.
The Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC), through the World Bank-funded Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project (RUSLP), has officially unveiled its 2024–2028 Development Plan on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The Development Plan represents a transformative vision for the Western Area Rural District, laying the groundwork for sustainable urban and rural development through the five key enablers: Economic Growth and Transportation, Planning and Management, Climate Change and Environmental Protection, Enhancing Urban Infrastructure and Social Services, and Transportation, Mobility, and Access.
Speaking at the launching event, WARD C Chairman Kasho J. Holland Cole described the development plan as a roadmap for the district’s future progress. He highlighted the council’s achievements in education, market construction, health centre rehabilitation, and job creation, emphasizing that WARD C remains committed to delivering essential services to all communities.
He expressed gratitude to the World Bank through the RUSLP for their support, particularly in funding the development of the WARD C Plan. Chairman Holland Cole noted that the World Bank’s funding has been instrumental in ensuring the success of this initiative.
Chief Administrator, Festus Kallay referred to the plan as the council’s guiding document and commended the Chairman’s leadership in driving development.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Honourable Deputy Minister applauded WARD C’s efforts to complement the government’s development agenda. He called the plan “the people’s plan” and urged residents to support its implementation actively.
Representatives from MDAs, ONS, Members of Parliament, Councilors, Village Heads, community leaders, civil society organizations, media representatives, and other key stakeholders attended the launching event, which was held at the WARD C Conference Hall.
The Development Plan was presented by the WARD C Development Planning Officer, Mr. Mohamed Momoh.
Mr. Adams Tommy, Project Coordinator of Accountable Governance, chaired the event. Statements were made by the Hon. Minister of the Western Region, Ambassador Adekunle King, the Deputy Development Secretary, Osman C Conteh, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Senior Deputy Financial Secretary, Madam Mariatu Browne, Ministry of Finance and the Hon Members of Parliament followed by the keynote address delivered by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Moi Jamirio, who, in consonant with the WARD C chairman, Kasho J. Holland Cole and other invited dignitaries officially launched the WARD C Development Plan (2024-2028).