Sierra Leoneans Commend European Union

For boosting key infrastructures

By Sylvester Samba

Sierra Leoneans in the Southern part of the country has commended the European Union for undertaking key infrastructure projects in that part of the country. The projects aim at improving road infrastructure as a driving force for economic growth and sustainable development. One of these projects is the 'Bandajuma-Liberia Road and Bridges Rehabilitation Project.

The project will improve the country's core road network

The Bandajuma-Liberia Road and Bridges Rehabilitation Project provides for the upgrading of 100 km of road between Sierra Leone and Liberia, and the construction of three new bridges. The new bridge constructions at Sewa River, Wanjie River, and Moa River has completed. The project will improve the country's core road network and open the main gateway to Liberia, restoring a vital link between the two countries.

The Moyamba-Moyamba Junction road project also in the Southern province will improve the road communication system between Moyamba Town and the Masiaka-Bo Highway and facilitate access to the South-Eastern districts. It provides for the rehabilitation of 33 km of road between Moyamba and Moyamba Junction, and four bridges. These include one over Gbangbama River, another over Yambatui River, and the construction of two-lane bridges over the Rokel River (Magbele Bridge) and the Rebi River (Mabang Bridge).

The National Authorizing Office under the supervision of the Ministry of Development and Economic Planning secured a grant of €40.7 million from the European Development Fund in support to the Government of Sierra Leone towards the construction of the roads. CSE started the work in March of last year because of a non-performance by MSF. Their contract terminated on July 21, 2017.

CSE, Roads and Earthworks giant from Dakar Senegal are very confident that the construction of the Moyamba-Moyamba Junction Road will finally be completed and handed over in March next year.

The assurance was given on Wednesday the 7th August 2019, in a two-hour-long press conference held at CSE's residential site in the outskirts of Moyamba town by its Country Director, Mr. Amadou Gaye.

Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) oversee all road projects maintenance in the country

Senior Journalists representing major media outlets from Freetown, Bo, and Moyamba were in attendance, and the Deputy Chairman for Moyamba District Council, Moyamba Youth President, and Civil Society activists residing in the District.

National Authorising Office, Thursday, 8 August 2019, held their second press conference at Zimi Town in Pujehun district. The Director National Authorising Office, Mr. Ambrose James said National Indicative Programming is the decision-making process through which the EU and its partner countries define development assistance strategies, priorities and funding allocation. The 11th EDF to Sierra Leone represents €376 million in programmable funds on Governance, Education, Agriculture, and Infrastructure.