The Minister of Trade and Industry, Richard Conteh has officially commissioned the branch office of the Sierra Leone Traders Union in Koidu City, Kono District.
In his address, the Minister praised traders all over the country for supporting the government trade liberalization policy by allowing the common man to engage in business.
He said in some countries it is the duty of the government to provide basic necessities of life for the people, but that here in Sierra Leone, that onus has been taken by the traders, thereby removing government from doing business.
“We rely on you the traders of this country for the provision of basic necessities in terms of service and goods for domestic use,” the Minister noted.
He commended the traders for their relentless support to the government, adding that their contributions to the country’s socio-economic development have helped maintain the steady growth of the economy.
Minister Conteh therefore called on the Chiefs and other stakeholders to work hand in glove with the traders union in the district. He reminded the Mayor of Koidu City to put the necessary mechanisms in place by providing the basic facilities in the markets that would enable the traders do their business.
With regards to issues raised about the reconstruction of the Kono- Matotoka highway, the Minister said funding is already available and that the work will commence soonest. The Minister disclosed that government has set aside an amount up to twelve billion Leones as loan scheme for traders countrywide and that a memorandum of understanding is yet to be documented between his Ministry and the Central Bank for the scheme to kick off.
The Chairman for the Traders Union in Kono, William Sesay applauded the Minister for his comments and concerns. Mr. Sesay called on the Minister to help them build a standard market for the district, provide security and above all to help them retrieve their money owed by Wealth Builders.
The Mayor of Koidu City, Sahr Sessie-Gbenda said his problem with the traders is born out of the payment of dues and taxes. He said a good number of the traders don’t pay their dues and taxes and as a result of this the council is finding it difficult to address their needs.
By Jon-bu
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