The Minister of Defence Rtd. Maj. Palo Conteh has expressed his determination to turn around the deplorable condition of personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
Speaking to press men and senior officers of the RSLAF at the Ministry of Defence past Friday, the Minister said he is perturbed with the appalling condition under which a good number of the men and women of the RSLAF are living across the country. He said most of the barracks where the soldiers dwell are in terrible condition.
“If you have gone up country or visited Wilberforce barracks you will see that our soldiers live in absolute squalor and for me that is unacceptable” The Minister said.
He went on to say: “I have always believed in the saying that health is wealth, sound mind in a sound body. If the men and women of the RSLAF are fit then they will be fit to defend Sierra Leone”
The Defence Minister disclosed that the biggest challenge the RSLAF is faced with now is accommodation for its soldiers but added that it will take a lot of money and effort to be able to turn things around.
He said in spite of all the sacrifices soldiers are making to protect the country yet still most people do not appreciate how important they are.
“For me it is shocking because we have been through war, we should understand that if we don’t have a defence what happens. If there is no defence there will be no economy, no health and no education” He added.
Rtd. Maj. Palo Conteh intimated that since he took up office about 22 months ago he has made some developmental strides within the RSLAF. Notable among others was the rehabilitation of ARAKAN entertainment centre which has now been transformed into a first class entertainment spot. He also mentioned the creation of a military laboratory which was supported by the American government.
The Minister promised to continue to embark on more developmental projects that will change situation in the RSLAF.
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