October 28, 2015 By Mohamed Massaquoi from Bo
Chiefs and community leaders in the southern district towns of Bo, Moyamba and Pujehun have assured the former flag-bearer of the opposition Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) of putting every effort into finally eliminating the deadly Ebola disease in the country once and for all.
Paramount Chief Alfred H. Demby of Kakwa Chiefdom, Bo District said they wholeheartedly welcome the initiative of Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio and his entourage in complementing the effort of government to end the Ebola epidemic in the country, noting that a special committee was established within the chiefdom to fight the virus, and which was very successful.
“We want to assure you that every effort will be made to maintain zero Ebola status in this chiefdom,” he said.
For his part, Chief Amara Fawundu from Pujehun said the district was the first to have been declared Ebola free, and that they are pleased to receive Bio in the area “after a very long time”.
“We are maintaining all the laws in the fight against Ebola in the district. We are quite aware of the closeness of our district to that of Liberia but we are closely monitoring all the border crossing points,” said Chief Fawundu.
The social mobilisation campaign, according to Mr. Bio, is to complement the efforts of government and other humanitarian organisations who have contributed immensely to beating back the disease, adding that since the outbreak over a year ago, he has provided support to families of victims and Ebola survivors.
In Bo, thousands of party loyalists came out in their numbers to welcome Bio and his team. A meeting was organised at the Bo mini-stadium where he addressed the people on the prevention and eradication of Ebola in the country.
The opposition chieftain reminded his multitude of supporters that now is not the time for politics, and that they should work collectively in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone to end the Ebola scourge.
He described the Ebola disease as deadly and that people should not be complacent in maintaining the Ebola prevention measures.
“I am here to talk to you so that collectively we can end Ebola,” said the former military ruler. “The Ebola disease is dangerous, therefore we should all collaborate to end the pandemic. I have you at heart and that is why I have put all other things aside to come and engage you so that we can work together and put an end to the disease.”
Bio continued his community mobilisation with a visit to Fallu Town where the Ebola disease and the recent flooding seriously affected people.
“I have come to say sorry for all that had happened to you. I want to extend my sympathy to the families of those who lost their loved ones as a result of the flooding and also the Ebola,” he said.