Ag. Minister of Finance Signs Financing Agreement for Reconstruction of 86 km Mabang-Moyamba-Gbangbatoke Junction Road Project

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Public Assets and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, signed a Financing Agreement with SIETRA Construction Company for the reconstruction of the Mabang-Moyamba-Gbangbatoke Junction road on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone.

The signing ceremony, held in the main conference hall of the Ministry of Finance, was attended by senior government officials, community leaders from the beneficiary areas, representatives from civil society organizations, and senior executives from SIETRA Construction Company.

Acting Financial Secretary Samuel E.B. Momoh, who chaired the ceremony, emphasized the road’s importance, calling it critical for the economic development of the region by facilitating better connectivity between the Western and Southern regions.

Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), highlighted the government’s achievements in connecting communities through the construction of bridges and roads across the Eastern, Southern, Northern, and North-Western regions.

“To address the poor road network, the government has engaged a consultant to conduct a feasibility study on 2,000 kilometers of substandard roads in the country,” he stated.

Momodu further noted that, due to limited financial resources, the SLRA has adopted an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach to finance road construction.

He explained that the agreement is set for ten years, with a two-year construction period, aimed at enhancing farming, fishing, and mining activities in the Moyamba and Bonthe districts.

Madam Kenya Ballay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, stated that this project is part of the government’s “Big Five Game Changer” initiative, designed to improve the transport sector and create jobs for the youth in Moyamba and surrounding areas. She added that the road would facilitate quicker movement between Moyamba and Freetown, opening up economic opportunities.

Dr. Dennis Sandy, Minister of Works and Public Assets, emphasized the project’s necessity for boosting economic activities in Moyamba and neighboring communities. He commended SIETRA Construction Company and urged them to adhere to the project timeline.

Compaore Rasmarie, CEO of SIETRA Construction Company, expressed gratitude to the government for the financing agreement and committed to delivering the project on schedule while supporting the country’s developmental goals.

Acting Minister of Finance Kadiatu Allie described the financing agreement as unique within the cabinet, noting its grace period and low-interest rate, which will not burden the government.

Charles Mambo, a representative from Civil Society, thanked the government for this innovative approach and acknowledged ongoing advocacy for better road infrastructure to connect communities and improve living standards.

Finally, Chief Caulker, Paramount Chief of Bompeh Chiefdom, expressed his gratitude to the government for prioritizing this road, sharing his excitement about the realization of a long-held dream for the people of his chiefdom and district.