By Amin Kef Sesay
A Turkish company is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking $50 million oxygen production project in Sierra Leone, with operations set to commence in the near future. The factory will be located on a four-acre plot of land in Kerry Town, near Waterloo in the Western Rural District.
According to reliable sources, the project involves the installation and operation of gas and liquid oxygen plants through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement. The arrangement ensures that the Turkish company will be responsible for the construction, management and eventual transfer of the facility to Sierra Leonean authorities. This innovative approach aims to establish a sustainable oxygen production and filling plant within the country, enhancing its self-reliance in critical healthcare infrastructure.
The impact of this initiative is expected to be substantial, not only in providing vital oxygen supply to hospitals and healthcare centers but also in creating significant employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans. The factory will offer job openings for hundreds of locals and provide valuable training programs to develop skills in plant operations, management and technical maintenance.
The project has been facilitated by a Lebanese national, working closely with the Embassy of Malta in Freetown, which has played a key role in bringing this venture to life. The involvement of Malta’s diplomatic presence reflects the international partnerships being forged to bolster Sierra Leone’s economic development and healthcare sector.
The Ministry of Health and other key Government officials have embraced the project and are making concerted efforts to ensure its swift implementation. The Health Minister has expressed strong support, acknowledging the immense benefits the oxygen factory will bring to the national healthcare system and the broader economy. The anticipated ripple effects of the project, in terms of job creation, skill development and boosting healthcare capacity, are seen as vital to Sierra Leone’s development.
Additionally, Ambassador Solomon Gembeh, former High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Nigeria and now Commissioner of the National Communications Authority (NaTCA), is actively involved behind the scenes to ensure the project’s success. His efforts, alongside the Ministry of Health and the Turkish company, are expected to expedite the launch and operation of the factory.
It is worth noting that discussions surrounding this oxygen factory began during the previous administration. However, despite the credibility and proven performance of the Turkish company, the project had stalled. Now, with renewed efforts and strong collaboration among stakeholders, the oxygen factory is poised to become a reality, addressing a critical need in Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.
The imminent opening of this facility underscores the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and fostering economic growth through international partnerships.
