In a welcome address, Brigadier General Dauda Fred Alpha, Commandant 3 Infantry Brigade and President of the Mess Committee, said he was profoundly honoured to deliver statement in what he called an epoch-making event, saying that the facility was upgrade to a modern, state of the art complex by His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio with funds being provided by the People of the People’s Republic of China.
He further noted that the Mess consisted of 104 self-contained rooms fully furnished for young and single officers, adding that it has a 350-seater Conference/Banquet Hall, a kitchen with 90-seater Dining Hall, a classical gym and elevator.
“I would like to assure His Excellency and our audience that stringent measures have already been put in place to sustain this legacy through comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure, among others will emphasis a daily upkeep and periodic inspection of these magnificent structures and not business as usual”, he assured.
The Minister of Defense, Brigadier General (Rtd), Kelly Hassan Conteh said it was with a heart filled with joy and gratitude to God that he was a part of the Commissioning of the newly built Single Officers’ Mess and the turning of the sod for the construction of the Warrants Officers, and sergeants Mess, adding that it was a fulfilment of President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to upgrade the RSLF into a professional institution.
He further noted that the work was completed in real time, despite the disruption caused by the Coronavirus disease, saying that they at the Ministry of Defense was grateful to President Julius Maada Bio and the people of the People’s Republic of China for the construction of the edifice.
“We are very grateful that we have kept your word as always, on behalf of the officer core, we want to assure you Your Excellency and the people Liberation Arm of the People’s Republic of China that we will jealously guide, protect and utilize this edifice for the purposes for which they have been built”, he assured.
The Chines Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hu Zhangliang said the construction of the Myohaung Officers’ Mess was another concrete step of the China – Sierra Leone cordial relationship and one of the priority projects of their cooperation, saying that the project would not only contribute to the improvement and living condition of the RSLAF, but would also bring them a stronger sense of honour and mission; and that it would help boost the morale of its men and women.
“This is a project that presents the full meaning of our genuine partnership. During this time, our two sides have been consulting each other on equal footing, sharing skills and expertise, overcoming difficulties hand in hand, and braving the wind and rain together.
“By setting this project as one of the top priorities in our cooperation, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio and the government of Sierra Leone demonstrated their firm commitment to the enhancement of the wellbeing of RSLAF men and women, while the Chines government and the people demonstrated full understanding and respect for that consideration,” he explained.