The primary objective of my visit this time has been to progress our need for land on which to build the houses. The original land promised was withdrawn and this is a challenging place to get the permissions and ownership needed to build on.
Over the last week, Ian and I have met community leaders, The Mayor of Freetown, a member of parliament, the chief of the defence staff, leaders of the Sierra Leone housing Corporation, the YMCA and others as we seek a suitable site. At this stage there are 5 significant possibilities and each have a different strategy to reach completion. Perhaps the most likely, Ian will visit on Friday so we will see from there.
Been good to catch up with some long term friends working here, Becky and Tom, and Heleen. Unfortunately ran out of time to get together with many of our long term partners here but I can look forward to that on my next visit.
Yesterday afternoon, the President declared today a public holiday – its armed forces day – though they didn’t have time to organise their marches! This curtailed plans for today – how does that happen having public holidays with such short notice?
As the airport is the other side of the peninsular we have to get a boat to the airport. That goes at 11.30pm for the 5am flight – with checkin closing at 3am. Does not make for a good night’s sleep. Completing plans to return to the UK. Thanks for your love and support on this journey