By Paul Lamin
The Chiefdom Speaker of Small Bo Chiefdom, Chief Ismeal Koroma, has raised serious concerns over what he described as long-standing developmental challenges confronting his chiefdom, calling on government authorities and development partners to urgently address the needs of the people.
Speaking at a community engagement forum, Chief Koroma lamented that Small Bo Chiefdom has continued to suffer from imbalance in political representation, a situation he attributed to the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system. According to him, Constituency 017 currently has no Member of Parliament; a development he said has left the chiefdom without a direct voice in Parliament to advocate for its pressing needs.
“Our people feel abandoned. Without an MP, our chiefdom lacks representation at the national level where key decisions affecting our development are made,” Chief Koroma stated.
He further highlighted the acute lack of pipe-borne water supply across many communities in the chiefdom, describing access to safe drinking water as a daily struggle, especially for women and children who travel long distances to fetch water from unsafe sources.
Chief Koroma also recalled the unfulfilled promises of a tarmac road in Blama, noting that successive governments had made commitments to improve the road network but failed to deliver. He said the poor state of roads continues to hinder trade, access to healthcare, and the overall socio-economic growth of the chiefdom.
Despite these challenges, the Chiefdom Speaker expressed appreciation for ongoing development efforts by some institutions and partners. He praised the Kenema District Council for initiating the construction of a community centre, describing it as a vital facility that will enhance community engagement, meetings, and social activities.
He also lavished praises on Youth in Action for Development (YAD) for its meaningful interventions in the chiefdom. Chief Koroma specifically commended Mr. Othman Sheriff for the construction of schools in the Longema community; an initiative he said has brought renewed hope to children and parents in the area. Additionally, he acknowledged YAD’s efforts in providing WASH facilities in several communities, which he said has improved hygiene and reduced health risks.
In a show of humility and gratitude, Chief Ismeal Koroma thanked the Paramount Chief of Small Bo Chiefdom for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as Chiefdom Speaker. He pledged to continue working tirelessly with stakeholders to advocate for development and improve the living conditions of the people of Small Bo Chiefdom.
“This position is a call to service. I remain committed to working for the progress, unity, and development of our chiefdom,” he concluded.
The Chiefdom Speaker’s remarks have reignited calls for stronger government attention and equitable development for Small Bo Chiefdom, as residents continue to hope for tangible interventions that will transform their communities.
