Should we build New Freetown Airport or no? Polls are in

We asked you to take a poll on our website www.ftinsight.net.  Should we build the new airport or not?  The poll results are in, and its fairly clear that there's very little enthusiasm for the project.

68% of respondents said no; 23% said 'not now' and only 9% said yes.

Hospitals, schools, power, water, basic infrastructure – and a fear that a large chunk of the $315 million budget would be channeled elsewhere were just some of the arguments against.  We've summarised the comments below:

 

THE NOT-AT-ALL VIEW:

 

To put it into perspective, it is $52 (or Le 300,000) for each citizen. Simply too much!

 

Only the misguided need fill in the poll.  HOSPITAL SCHOOLS HOSPITAL SCHOOLS.

 

Not at all!!!! There are more pressing issues. Hospitals, schools etc

 

Absolutely no new airport, not a priority. Better management will suffice for now. Electricity, water, basic infrastructure. New airport, how ridiculous is that? Would be interesting, if it went ahead to see how much of the $315 million is spent of the project and how much goes missing?

 

A bridge linking the old airport to Freetown will do a whole lot better if the money is to be spent on some vanity project

 

THE NOT-NOW VIEW:

 

I think a proper hospital and medical staff is much more needed at this stage!!!

 

THE SHORT-TERM-PAIN-FOR-LONG-TERM-GAIN VIEW

 

Developing Sierra Leone’s potential as a first-class tourist destination and attracting investors means we need first class facilities.

 

It's a tough call. With the better airport comes more accessibility to global travellers and investors, better business opportunities. Higher GDP.... more money and more schools and hospitals. Sustainable growth. It's the long term/short term question.  If you were ever going to move it and if the land is available, now would be the time. If you want to build a first class tourist industry, you need first class facilities ... SL has the potential to be the BEST destination in Africa

 This poll was created by- Memuna Forna