Members of Parliament have intensified calls for the establishment of another port in Sierra Leone, presenting the proposed Kent Harbour and Port Project as the answer to congestion at the country’s existing quay and an opportunity to generate more national revenue.
The lawmakers urged newly approved Minister of Finance, Karefa A.F. Kargbo and the Government of Sierra Leone to provide the necessary policy and financial support for the project, which is being developed by the Gento Group of Companies.
The appeal was made during Thursday’s parliamentary proceedings for the consideration and approval of presidential nominees, including Karefa A.F. Kargbo. Parliamentarians used the occasion to highlight major economic priorities requiring the attention of the new Finance Minister.
Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Hon. Kekura Vandi, questioned why Sierra Leone should continue delaying the establishment of another port when the existing facility is already congested.
“What are we waiting for in establishing another port?” Hon. Kekura Vandi asked.
He encouraged Members of Parliament to visit Kent and assess the progress made on the project. Describing the investment as worthwhile, Hon. Kekura Vandi also called on the Government to fulfil its obligations under the relevant agreement.
Opposition Chief Whip and All People’s Congress Member of Parliament, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, popularly known as AKK, led calls for the Government to prioritize the Kent Port.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara said the existing quay is tight and overcrowded, causing delays in clearing goods and creating challenges for businesses involved in import and export activities.
“The quay is tight and overcrowded. There is a need to have another port to boost the country’s economy,” Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara stated.
He argued that Sierra Leone urgently needs an additional port capacity to facilitate trade, attract investment and strengthen domestic revenue mobilization.
“It is important that we boost the Kent project because the need is there,” he added.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara called for decisive Government intervention, including possible financial assistance to enable the project to progress. He suggested that the Government could consider a carefully structured loan to support its completion.
According to him, the project would also promote local content and empower Sierra Leonean businesses by creating opportunities in construction, transportation, logistics, shipping and trade.
“We should empower our own to have another port and the Kent Harbour project will fill the vacuum,” he maintained.
Hon. Daniel Koroma supported the appeal, describing the Kent Port as a locally driven investment that deserves Government backing.
“The Kent Harbour project is our local baby and it should be supported by the Government through the Finance Minister,” Hon. Daniel Koroma said.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma also encouraged the Finance Minister to consider the project as part of a broader national strategy to expand Sierra Leone’s revenue base.
Drawing comparisons with neighbouring Guinea, which he said has multiple ports, Hon. Aaron Koroma argued that Sierra Leone should take advantage of its natural maritime potential. He said another port could increase trade, attract investment and improve the country’s position within the regional maritime economy.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, similarly acknowledged the need for a port at Kent and urged the Finance Minister to give the project serious attention.
Supporters believe the Kent Port could complement existing maritime infrastructure, reduce congestion and improve the movement of imports and exports. The project could also create employment and stimulate business activities in Kent and surrounding communities.
Any Government financial support would, however, require proper assessment of the project’s viability, financing structure, repayment conditions and long-term benefits to the country.
The parliamentary intervention has now placed Kent Port firmly on the economic agenda of the new Finance Minister. With the existing quay already under pressure, lawmakers maintained that Sierra Leone cannot afford to wait until the situation becomes worse.
Their message was clear: Sierra Leone needs another port to ease congestion, expand trade and generate more revenue; and the Kent Port is the answer.
