Tonkolili District’s Member of Parliament, Hon. Jawah Sesay, has expressed deep disappointment over the perceived neglect of his district in the 2025 national budget.

During the parliamentary debate on November 21, 2024, Hon. Sesay accused the government of sidelining Tonkolili despite its substantial contributions to Sierra Leone’s economy.

The MP highlighted Tonkolili’s pivotal role as a hub of natural resources, including iron ore, gold, and hydroelectric power from the Bumbuna Dam. However, he lamented that the district remains one of the poorest in the country, plagued by underdevelopment and inadequate infrastructure.

“Tonkolili is rich in resources, yet our people live in poverty. The government has consistently failed to invest in our communities,” Hon. Sesay asserted.

He pointed to the deplorable state of the Magburaka-Bumbuna road as a glaring example of the government’s failure to prioritize the district. The road, which connects key areas of the district, has become almost impassable, further isolating communities and stifling economic activity.

Hon. Sesay emphasized that despite the district’s immense revenue contributions through mining and energy production, there has been minimal reinvestment in local development. He criticized the lack of proper health facilities, schools, and clean water, as well as the rising unemployment rate among the district’s youth.

“Our people are tired of empty promises. For seven years, we’ve heard nothing but words, while our children lack schools, our hospitals are in shambles, and our roads remain death traps,” he said.

The MP also raised concerns about the environmental and health risks posed by mining operations in the district. He argued that chemicals used in these activities are polluting water sources and endangering lives, yet little has been done to mitigate these effects.

Hon. Sesay called for an equitable distribution of resources, arguing that Tonkolili residents deserve to benefit from the wealth their district generates. “We are contributing to the nation’s growth, but we are not reaping any benefits. This injustice must end,” he declared.

He also criticized the inadequacy of community development funds and surface rents provided by mining companies, stressing that these are insufficient to address the district’s pressing needs. Instead, he urged the government to commit to large-scale investments in roads, health care, and education.