In a continued effort to ensure the long-term impact of the Post-Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund (PERSIF) project, the Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, on 6thย February 2025ย convened key stakeholders at the Freetown City Council to discuss the sustainability and ownership of critical infrastructure constructed under the PERSIF Project.
The engagement brought together the Hon. Minister of Social Welfare, Deputy Minister of Health 1, Chairman of the project steering committee, Paramount Chief Members of Parliament (PCMPs), District Council Chairmen and City Council Mayors, Representatives of the PERSIF Steering Committee, and Partner Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the recovery process and the African Development Bank.
The engagement had 2 sessions: the first session was the opening ceremony, which included statements from partner ministries. The second session was a panel discussion where partner ministries presented their sustainability plans for the PERSIF project infrastructure.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Social Welfare, Honourable Melrose Karminty stated that the Ebola outbreak that devastated the region several years ago left an indelible mark on the health, social, and economic fabric of the country. In response, the government, through the PERSIF project, invested in constructing infrastructure essential for the socio-economic recovery and resilience building of former Ebola Hotspot communities. These include Community Health Centres, Solarized and non-solarized WASH facilities in communities, schools, and health facilities aimed at mitigating the long-term effects of the epidemic.
Mrs. Karminty commended the donor partners, including the African Development Bank and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative, for supporting the ongoing recovery project. She noted that the project has made significant progress with a 73% completion rate.
The Honourable Minister emphasized the importance of sustaining the project, especially after its official closure, to ensure lasting solutions to the country’s critical needs, particularly in health, water, and sanitation. She commended the project for its alignment with the Post-Ebola Recovery Plan and the Government’s Medium-term National Development Plan, focusing on healthcare, sanitation, Human Capital Development, and Womenโs Empowerment.
She continued that the project covers eight districts mostly affected by the Ebola crisis and aims to restore essential services while revitalizing local economies. Mrs. Karminty pointed out that the project’s success relies on community ownership and involvement, with a special focus on providing water and sanitation facilities in schools and supporting trade and social workforce development.
In closing, the Honourable Minister expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and called for continued collaboration to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the project, which is crucial for the recovery and future well-being of Sierra Leone’s people.
The African Development Bank representative, Ms. Mary, speaking on behalf of the country manager, highlighted the bank’s commitment to social and infrastructural development across Africa, focusing on projects that improve life expectancy, food security, survival, integration, and overall quality of life. She said the initiative aligns with the AfDB’s Human Capital Development Strategy, emphasizing sustainable, people-centered approaches. She continued that a key aspect of the project is its support for Sierra Leone’s recovery from the Ebola crisis, specifically enhancing access to healthcare and restoring basic social services in affected communities. Ms. Mary added that ADB is committed to ensuring the new healthcare facilities meet long-term needs by encouraging collaboration among relevant MDAs and the Ministry of Health.
Ms. Mary also outlined a sustainability plan, emphasizing the establishment of Community Management Committees, continued multi-sectoral coordination, posting of qualified health workers, and allocation of long-term resources by the Ministry of Health.
The AfDB’s goal, she said, is to foster inclusivity and accessibility in healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities.
She described the engagement as timely, adding that it reinforced the ADBโs commitment to improving the well-being of Sierra Leoneโs citizens, particularly those in remote areas. She is hopeful the initiative will yield positive results for the communities it aims to serve. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and stakeholder involvement to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Post-Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund (PERSIF) project.
