By Sulaiman Jalloh

In a move to improve Sierra Leone’s road infrastructure, Parliament on Tuesday, February 13, 2025, during its 34th plenary sittings, ratified a landmark concession agreement for the construction of 86-kilometer Magbam, Moyamba to Gbagbato Road project, valued at US$148.2 million.

The agreement is between the Government of Sierra Leone and a Burkina Faso-based firm, Citra. It is expected that after the construction of the road, the transportation system will be significantly enhanced and will drive economic development across the country, especially benefiting regions/districts.

It is also agreed that three toll gates will be constructed in the 86km road, thus allowing investors to benefit from their investment and to help finance and upkeep the road and other future developments.

Presenting the agreement, Dr. Denis Sandy, the Minister of Works and Public Assets highlighted major steps toward modernizing the nation’s road infrastructure. The three-year project will involve the construction of the Mbang Bridge and the road stretching from Moyamba Town to Gbagbato to improve, boost trade, and facilitate smoother travel for Sierra Leoneans. “This project will not only create jobs but also improve road durability, enhance economic connectivity between the South, North, and Western regions, and lay a foundation for future infrastructure growth,” the Minister underscored

The project will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership model, where Citra, a renowned construction company, will be responsible for building and transferring the infrastructure, and it is expected to be completed by 2028.

Minister Sandy stated that, unlike previous projects, this concession agreement was highly consultative, involving Members of Parliament and other stakeholders. He remarked that lessons learned from past toll agreements, such as the Wellington-Masiaka Highway, modalities were put in place to avoid past mistakes. “We’ve learned from our previous experience with toll agreements and are ensuring this project is structured for long-term sustainability,” he pointed out.

The road will have alternative routes for those who prefer not to pay the toll, offering options to bypass the toll road via Masiaka or Mile 91. The toll gates will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology for monitoring and maintenance, managed by Sierra Leonean companies or individuals.

During the debate, several Members of Parliament expressed strong support for the project, underscoring its potential to transform the nation’s infrastructure.

Hon. Daniel K. Koroma, deputy leader of the opposition in Parliament, said the concession agreement would last for 30 years but expressed confidence that the cost of the project could be paid off within 13 years, citing lessons learned from earlier toll agreements. “We believe that with the proper systems in place, we can recover the cost of this road in a much shorter period. This is a well-structured and forward-thinking agreement,” said Hon. Koroma while calling for more investment into the country’s infrastructure, encouraging contractors with ‘idle capital’ to explore opportunities in the country.

Hon. Bashiru Silike, Deputy Leader of Government Business, commended the opposition leader for his constructive contributions, particularly recognizing the importance of having rest areas and amusement facilities along the road to ensure safety and comfort for travelers.

“The inclusion of rest areas and amenities is a great step in preventing accidents and enhancing the travel experience,” Hon. Silike remarked.

If completed the project is expected to provide employment opportunities across various sectors. Minister Sandy highlighted that the road construction would create jobs for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, providing an inclusive approach to workforce development. He emphasized that “This road is not just about building infrastructure; it’s about building the future of Sierra Leone.”

Now that Parliament has ratified, the next steps include finalizing financial arrangements and mobilizing contractors. Minister Sandy assured MPs that the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, along with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), would remain transparent throughout the implementation process. MPs will also be involved in the oversight of the project, ensuring that it meets the expected standards and timelines. “We are committed to delivering this project efficiently, and we welcome continued support and oversight from our MPs,” Sandy assured Members of Parliament.

The approval of this concession agreement represents a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward modernizing its infrastructure. If successfully executed, this project could serve as a model for future road development in Sierra Leone and across Africa.