The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Wan Fambul National Framework Interim Secretariat (WFNF) in partnership with Fambul Tok International-Sierra Leone have on Tuesday 29th of November 2022, rolled-out the People’s Planning Process (PPP) commonly known as the Wan Fambul Framework (WFF) in Sanda Taindaren Chiefdom in Karene District.
The framework is an inclusive governance model aimed at putting the people at the centre of development and socio-economic transformation by ensuring improved service delivery, sustained poverty reduction and strengthening peace and cohesion.
It also includes elements of reconciliation and peace building in the development planning processes led by the people and local communities.
Welcoming participants, the Paramount Chief, Sanda Taindaren Chiefdom,Alhaji Abdulraman Tejan Bangura I said he is very happy that his chiefdom, out of the 13 chiefdoms in Karene will benefit from Government, through Fambul Tok for the implementation of the People’s Planning Process model. He said they have waited for too long for such initiative, noting that it would be the right way to bring development to Sanda Taindaren assuring that he would provide all the necessary support in order for the initiative to succeed. He lamented over situations in his chiefdom, adding that the chiefdom is one of the most deprived one in the country. He called on his people to work closely with Fambul Tok during the implementation period as they stand to gain from several things including various training opportunities.
Minister of Local Government,Tamba Lamina launching PPP Model
Chairman of Karene District Council was charged with the responsibility to chair the launching was very happy to see his district recognized in such a large gathering. John Ditto Kamara said Karene is new but had gain some important projects for the past two years
He gave a brief background of the new district adding that few chiefdoms were drawn from Port Loko and Bombali districts and today it is the fastest growing district. He lauded the efforts of Government of Sierra Leone and Fambul Tok International for launching the People’s Planning Process model in his district. He called on Government to extend the PPP to the remaining 12 chiefdoms in Karene. Chairman Kamara extended gratitude to the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs his steadfastness to promote councils as he was the first man to ensure that chairmen, mayors and deputies were on pay roll
In his statement, John Caulker, Executive Director of Fambul Tok International-Sierra Leone said the initiative was a laudable one developed by government to bring the people closer to the development of the country. He said it was important for people to begin discussing their own issues within their respective communities and districts.
John Caulker said the framework which would be anchored in the district councils would be a platform for the people, local authorities and Councils to come together and discuss their issues and development priorities for the improvement of their localities, adding that the PPP was a one-stop-shop that would help to bring people at the centre of development in the country.
He said the decision to come to Sanda Taindaren chiefdom was taken by the Steering Commitment adding that partnership with the people starts immediately after the launch of the pilot phase. He explained selection process of the ten sections adding that Fambul Tok staff will work based on the sequence from one to ten. The Executive Director mentioned the establishment of the Village Development Committees in every village during the implementation phase
Dr. Sheka Bangura of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in his statement said in order for government to back its commitment with action, they have provided financial support in the national budget for fiscal year 2022 to implement the integration of the Wan Fambul Framework in the implementation of the Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) pilot project in selected chiefdoms.
John Caulker addressing participants at Mateboi
He said Government wants to expand the PPP Model to all 1,343 sections in the country as it is one of the best which brings people together for development aspirations. He appealed to the people to grab such opportunity.
District Officer, Karene, Alex Kargbo said with such project, the people stand to benefit a lot
He noted Government has relentlessly worked with development partners, especially Fambul Tok to develop the initiative and ensure the people are at the centre of development in Sierra Leone.
Launching the PPP Model in Mateboi town, Minister Tamba Lamina said when you come closer to communities you will always know what is going on. He said his Ministry ensures that people sit and make decisions on their own than dictating to them what should happen. He mentioned review of Decentralization Policy adding that one of the key things in the policy has to do with decision making. He said the ‘wan fambul’ framework is closer to the hearts of the people
He disclosed government effort in Sanda Taindaren including the construction of a six class room Junior Secondary school building. Minister Lamina explained the enactment of the Gender empowerment bill in Parliament very recently which ensures women grab important positions country wide
The WFF has been piloted in four districts namely: Kailahun, Moyamba, Kono, Koinadugu and now Karene. Government has decided to adopt and roll out the framework in the 190 chiefdoms and 16 districts of Sierra Leone.
