To Enhance the Implementation of PSSNYE Green Public Works, NaCSA Meets with FCC...

*NaCSA House, 22nd January 2024 *

The Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) – Amb. Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina and his team of experts have met with the Deputy Mayor – Kweku Lisk and the Chief Administrator – Raman Tom Farma of the Freetown City Council. The essence of the meeting is to deepen the existing relations between the two institutions, especially in achieving the Green Public Works component of the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project.

In his statement, the Deputy Mayor - Kweku Lisk expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for the continued partnership and collaboration between the institutions especially in implementing the PSSNYE project. *‘’…I have enjoyed the existing relationship and our respective mandate is to serve the people of this country. When we succeed collectively, we are hopeful that there will be better success stories for the people of this country.’’* He noted.

With his traditional etiquette and as always, the Commissioner – Amb Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina presented a golden symbol as a sign to show that the Commission welcomes the experts from FCC. He extended a special greeting from His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio – President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Amb Ndomahina noted that the *‘’Feed Salone’’ agenda will raise agricultural productivity to support inclusive growth, strengthen the local food system and lessen our reliance on food imports, decrease hunger, raise export revenue, generate employment, and construct a resilient food system. *‘’…as a Commission, we are committed to working with all parties to ensure that the PSSNYE project is a success. The project has been cleverly structured to respond directly to the needs of the extremely poor, women and young people.’’*

It could be recalled that the NaCSA has commenced the implementation of the PSSNYE project. In addition to introducing new initiatives to address youth employment in both urban and rural areas, the PSSNYE project largely scales up the implementation of the Social Safety Nets (SSN) Project, which has established the fundamental framework for a basic national safety net system in Sierra Leone.  The Project Development Objective is to *"improve access to social safety nets and income-generating opportunities for targeted beneficiaries."*

In ensuring that the project is implemented in line with its development objectives, NaCSA is working with critical institutions the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the National Youth Commission, the Anti–Corruption Commission and local councils. The Freetown City Council has commenced the implementation of the Green Public Works sub-component.

This is to provide youth with immediate employment opportunities to improve the environmental and sanitary aspects of urban areas in Sierra Leone; targeting inactive and unskilled youth, women and Persons with Disabilities from poor and vulnerable households. It will further support labour-intensive public works to upgrade sanitation infrastructure and improve climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban areas. 

Strategically, the two teams agree to strengthen the existing partnership and work together to clear bottleneck that might be a hindrance to achieving results.

*For further information on this and other matters, * *Please contact:*

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

*+23277022709/+23278319419/+23230518539*