By Mahmoud Kamara

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has laid out an ambitious roadmap for Sierra Leone’s continued development in the transport sector reaffirming his government’s commitment to inclusive growth, technological advancement, and national unity during the official opening of the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic.

Speaking at the Parliament Chamber on Tower Hill, the President applauded lawmakers for their bipartisan efforts over the past year and reiterated the vital role of the legislative body in fostering democratic progress.

“This House is the beating heart of our democracy,” President Bio declared. “It is here that we determine whether Sierra Leone’s future will be defined by unity and progress or by division and delay.”

The President highlighted progress under his administration’s flagship development framework the Big Five Game Changers which includes: Feed Salone, Human Capital Development , Youth Employment Scheme , Technology and Infrastructure Development
and Public Sector Reform

Under the Technology and Infrastructure Development pillar, President Bio cited significant advancements, including: Over $100 million invested in expanding digital infrastructure, Fibre-optic connectivity extended to 14 districts, Launch of the Government Yellow Page and success of the Salone Innovates Digital Government Summit, Boosts to digital entrepreneurship and innovation.

Nationwide Road and Transit
Infrastructure continues to be a key focus area: 418 km of roads and 17 new bridges completed, Township road upgrades and bridge developments supported by international partners like the Kuwait Fund and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Urban transport improvements include: Introduction of 50 new Waka Fine buses, Construction of a new transit terminal, pedestrian bridges, and future plans for electric bus fleets.

In closing, President Bio issued a passionate appeal for national unity and civic responsibility, urging citizens to prioritize service to the country over political or personal interests.

“Let us renew our shared commitment  to serve above self, to put country before party, and to build a future worthy of the hopes of every Sierra Leonean.”

He emphasized that the country’s progress relies on the collective efforts of all Sierra Leoneans from teachers to traders, from coders to farmers.

“This is a government of action,” he said. “The transformation is real. The journey is challenging. But together, we are building a Sierra Leone that is stronger, fairer, and full of opportunity.”

The Author is the Information Officer at MoTA

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on ednesday,13th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)