The newly-accredited Country Resident Representative of the African Development Bank (ADB) to Sierra Leone, Dr. Samuel Onwona, has said the bank has over 51 development projects worth US$250 million in the country.
According to an ADB statement, Dr. Onwona made the disclosure in Freetown on Friday when he presented his letter of credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Zainab H. Bangura.
The ADB Resident Representative said he was happy to take up his new assignment in Sierra Leone, and that he was poised to continue the excellent work of his predecessor to help rejuvenate the bank’s portfolio in Sierra Leone.
“My predecessor has laid a solid foundation for me which I intend to build upon, to enable growth in cooperation with the government for the purpose of producing tangible results,” Dr. Onwona said
He said the ADB had so far completed more than 30 projects in the country.
He also announced that a US$51 million loan had just been signed in Tunis between the government of Sierra Leone and the bank for the completion of the Bumbuna Hydro electric project.
“As I present my letters of credence, Madam Minister, I have no doubt that with the support of the government we would be able to achieve results that would benefit the people of this country,” the ADB official said:
Responding, the Minister praised the excellent bilateral relationship between the ADB and government.
She said President Koroma had demonstrated commitment in ensuring that the government works in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone, and assured the ADB boss of her ministry’s support at all times as a way of furthering the already existing excellent relationship with Sierra Leone.
