By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In an exclusive interview conducted by this medium with the Chief Executive Officer and Country Director of Gento Group, Mohamed Gento Kamara, he intimated that when they commenced business or operations, the focus was mostly on road construction furthering how they were yearning to partner with local and foreign companies with the avowed objective of implementing several projects.
The result-oriented personality disclosed that today they operate with three subsidiaries offering services in the construction and rehabilitation of transport infrastructure, as well as in the development of residential housing projects.
According to Mohamed Gento Kamara some of their key partners over the years include a local company called Betton-Villa Construction, which is now one of their subsidiaries and an Italian company called Factory Italian Motor Electric Turin (FIMET).
He divulged that the expertise of FIMET and their support has been very valuable for their success.
“Gento Group has become a key player in the construction sector, undertaking the building of multiple roads and bridges across the country,” he intimated with pride adding that as an entrepreneur and CEO, he is happy to contribute to the country’s development.
He told this medium that they now employ over 1,000 people and currently implementing multiple projects worth millions of dollars in various parts of Sierra Leone adding how they also work closely with communities across the country, providing support to residents where needed.
Asked what he makes up of competition, he responded: “I believe that competition is very important as the arrival of more companies translates to rising job opportunities for our people.”
He continued that increased competition also ensures higher operational standards as every player attempts to raise the bar arguing further that such has a positive impact on the development of the country, be it in construction, finance, agriculture or any other sector.
The Gento Group CEO maintained that they are a company that believes very strongly in ethics, discipline and dedication revealing how he considers himself as a very dedicated person who believes such is a critical quality to have in business.
Gento asserted that as a team, they have maintained a high sense of commitment from the genesis of the business emphasizing that their efforts have obviously produced great results saying he believes they will continue to thrive, even as the market becomes more competitive.
“I am very optimistic about the future and I see many business opportunities,” he said with determination adding that Sierra Leone still needs to make huge investments in developing new roads, bridges and rail infrastructure averring how such presents opportunities for players in the construction industry.
He said we currently face many transportation problems in Sierra Leone, partly due to a weak infrastructural network and that the country’s cities rely on produce and materials coming from all parts of the country, so it is important to have efficient transport links.
Gento also informed that Sierra Leone also benefits from vast minerals resources, which are mostly located in remote parts of the country and to export those minerals there is need for good roads and efficient logistics saying any country that wants to develop must have good transport infrastructure and he thinks there are many further opportunities to develop.
“Sierra Leone still needs to make huge investments in developing new roads, bridges and rail infrastructure,” he said.
In an eloquent response to a question posed he said their expertise and reputation make them a reliable partner for the Government and other private sector players in the pursuit of achieving the country’s ambitious infrastructure development goals.
Dilating on the rolling out of their Corporate Social Responsibility he said they are driven by a deep sense of patriotism he said he lived in the UK for several years and considers himself fortunate to have spent a small part of his life there.
“In the UK, I learnt generosity and the importance of serving communities,” he disclosed also stating how when he returned to Sierra Leone, he continued helping others and even spread this mentality to the people around him adding how unlike in the UK, there are many more people here who need help.
“Whenever there is a need to assist local communities or help the country during a natural disaster, I always bring my small contribution,” he said informing how he believes that if we are to change the social and economic situation in the country, we have to begin by changing the lives of individuals and then, collectively, we will become a better country.
Responding to what he would tell international investors about Sierra Leone, Mohamed Gento Kamara intimated that he would tell them Sierra Leone is an attractive investment market with many opportunities.
He continued that Sierra Leone borders the Atlantic Ocean, which means the country can be a strategic connection between the Western world and parts of Africa.
Gento expressed the view that Sierra Leone also has a rich supply of mineral resources and we are currently investing heavily in agriculture with plans of doubling agricultural production by 2025.
He maintained that to extract the mineral resources and attain our goals in agricultural production, the country needs investors stating how he believes investors from all sectors are welcome here adding that the country has a conducive business environment that enables companies to thrive and make good returns.
“I would therefore urge international companies to think about investing in Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
It must be noted that many have been commending Gento Group for its pro-activeness in recently mitigating a flood on Wilkinson Road due to heavy downpour with the latest being the First Lady, Dr Fatima Bio, who said on her Twitter account, “I returned home on Tuesday passing through Wilkinson Road. There was flooding everywhere and I can’t help but ask what do we have a Mayor for? Thanks to Mohamed Gento Kamara who came out to clear our gutters to allow free flow of water around the city. #Freetonians be wise.”
About Gento Group:
Gento Group has positioned itself as one of Sierra Leone’s leading companies in managing complex projects as it did in Sierra Leone.
The Group’s core focus is major national and provincial arterial roads and urban highways, bridges, culverts and road drainages. Their expertise extends to urban infrastructure and selects industrial, commercial, residential and sporting building projects.
Also, Gento Group has capitalized expertise in construction and redevelopment of communication routes, facilitating road transportation in Sierra Leone.
Gento Group maintains, rehabilitates, build paved roads, laterite tracks, interchanges, bridges and complex structures. It must be noted that the employees of the company work on urban roads and traffic signaling equipment and carry out earthworks, pavements, cycle tracks, incorporating sewage and rainwater drainage systems.
