2004 Press Releases

US Ambassador Approves Funding for Eight Different Agricultural Projects and Lassa Fever Prevention

August 31, 2004

Freetown
Contact PAO Kevin Green
Tel: 226 481

On August 31, 2004, new United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Thomas N. Hull, participated in a signing ceremony with Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Sama Mondeh, to provide US Government funding for eight different agricultural projects and Lassa Fever prevention.  The signing took place at the US Embassy with the many grant recipients in attendance. The total amount awarded exceeded 188 million leones (over $70,000 USD) and represented the continued commitment of the United States of America to the people of Sierra Leone.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Hull emphasized that “The grant agreements that we are signing today concentrate on agricultural projects.  Agricultural revival and eventual self-sufficiency are critical to Sierra Leone’s economic recovery from war.  I am extremely pleased that Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Mondeh has been able to join me for today’s event because our own emphasis is on agriculture and food security.”

Ambassador Hull continued that: “The Self-Help Fund is about helping people help themselves.  Recipients of self-help grants will provide local materials and community labor for their projects.  The American Embassy contributes the additional money that is needed for the communities to complete the projects themselves.”

Projects funded by the US Government this year include (1) construction of a water well and toilet for the Manjawor Village Farmers Association (Bombali District), (2) a shed and animal restocking for Kagbasia village (Koinadugu District), (3) a rice mill and rice hauler in Kailahun Town (Kailahun), (4) a Palm Oil Plantation in Kadari (Bombali District), (5) a Store/Drying Floor in Kpangiema (Kailahun District), (6) a community grain store in Shenge (Moyamba District), and (7) the completion of a community market and toilets in Lungi (Port Loko District).

In addition to these projects, Ambassador Hull signed a 52 million leone ($20,000 USD) grant from his special fund for refugees to help fight Lassa Fever. Implementing partner the International Rescue Committee was in attendance and will carry out this important, life saving project.