The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has concluded a pre-bid meeting and site visit for the proposed reconstruction of the 97-kilometre Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road, a strategic infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth and enhance access to essential services across Tonkolili District.
The engagement, held along the Azzolini Highway in Magburaka, brought together representatives of the Tonkolili District Council, Leone Rock Metal Group, Kingho Mining Company, prospective contractors, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), civil society organisations and other key stakeholders.
The exercise formed part of the procurement process and provided prospective bidders with firsthand knowledge of the project corridor, enabling them to assess existing site conditions before preparing and submitting their bids.
Addressing participants, SLRA Director General, Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, said the site visit was intended to give prospective contractors an opportunity to examine the road alignment, terrain, pavement conditions, drainage systems, watercourses and other factors likely to influence construction methods, project costs and implementation risks.
He underscored the critical role of road infrastructure in national development, noting that despite the growing demand for improved road networks, financial resources for road construction and maintenance remain constrained globally.
“Meaningful national development cannot be achieved without adequate road infrastructure,” Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu stated.
He explained that improved roads facilitate economic growth, expand access to markets, strengthen healthcare and educational services and promote greater social integration.
The Director General highlighted the Government of Sierra Leone’s efforts to address infrastructure financing challenges through innovative funding mechanisms, including public-private partnerships. He cited the collaboration involving the Government of Sierra Leone, Kingho Mining Company (SL) Limited and other mining companies, implemented in line with directives from the Ministry of Finance.
According to him, the financing arrangement for the Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road Project will ensure the efficient use of available resources while delivering long-term benefits to communities along the corridor.
Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu assured stakeholders that SLRA would enforce all engineering, environmental and quality standards throughout the implementation of the project.
He further emphasised that the pre-bid site visit forms a critical part of a transparent and competitive procurement process, allowing contractors to assess prevailing site conditions, identify potential technical challenges and submit realistic and responsive bids.
“The Authority remains committed to transparency, accountability and fairness. The most responsive and compliant bidder will be awarded the contract,” he said.
The SLRA Director General also disclosed that several critical sections of the road have already been identified as priority intervention areas and assured stakeholders that the Authority would closely monitor progress to prevent unnecessary delays.
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Senior Economist and Public Finance Expert, Joseph Fatoma, described the project as a model for sustainable infrastructure financing in Sierra Leone.
He noted that significant progress has already been made in preparing the documentation required for implementation, adding that the public-private financing arrangement has generated considerable national interest, with several institutions exploring similar partnership models for future development projects.
According to Joseph Fatoma, the Government is determined to ensure the timely delivery of the project, whose successful implementation could serve as a benchmark for future infrastructure investments across Sierra Leone.
Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, Madam Yabom Sesay, described the paving of the road as a long-awaited dream for the district and pledged the Council’s full support throughout its implementation.
She noted that local authorities had spent more than 14 years engaging various mining companies to support the construction of the road but had achieved limited success. She therefore commended the Government and its partners for taking steps to transform the long-standing vision into reality.
Madam Yabom Sesay highlighted the road’s importance to education, healthcare, commerce and social development, particularly its potential to improve access for students and communities currently affected by poor road conditions.
“This is a project that will define our district’s development journey, and we will ensure it is delivered to the highest standards,” she stated.
Speaking on behalf of Leone Rock Metal Group, Community Affairs Manager, Alusine Abulia Sesay, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting national development through strategic infrastructure investments. He also introduced two Kingho subcontractors, China Railway First Group and China Railway No. 10 Group, who participated in the exercise.
He said Leone Rock Metal Group’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to improving infrastructure and livelihoods within its operational communities, adding that Tonkolili District has benefited significantly from the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Alusine Abulia Sesay further noted that Leone Rock Metal Group and Kingho Mining Company are setting a positive example for private-sector participation in national development and expressed confidence that the road project could be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeframe.
Project Coordinator, Dr. Ing. Phodie Musa Kamara, who is also Deputy Director of Trunk Roads, assured stakeholders that the road would be constructed to ensure durability, safety and environmental sustainability.
He stated that upon completion, the project would significantly reduce travel time, lower vehicle operating costs and improve access to markets, public services, educational institutions and economic opportunities for communities across Tonkolili District.
Dr. Ing. Phodie Musa Kamara added that the successful delivery of the project would depend on sound engineering practices, adequate contractor mobilisation, effective project management, stakeholder coordination and an unwavering commitment to quality, safety and timely completion.
Representatives of the National Public Procurement Authority reminded prospective bidders that all submissions must meet established procurement requirements, including technical competence, financial capacity, climate resilience considerations and adequate capital resources.
The NPPA stressed that strict compliance with procurement regulations would play a decisive role in the evaluation and selection process.
Civil society representative, Charles Mambu, welcomed the project, describing it as a historic intervention aimed at addressing one of Tonkolili District’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.
While commending the Government for initiating the project, Charles Mambu also called for future attention to the Mile 91 road corridor. He praised the financing model being adopted for the project, noting that inadequate funding is often responsible for delays in the implementation of major infrastructure projects.
He announced that civil society organisations would actively monitor implementation to promote transparency, quality delivery and value for money.
The 97-kilometre Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road Project is expected to serve as a major catalyst for economic growth and regional integration, while strengthening transportation links between mining, agricultural and commercial communities within Tonkolili District and beyond.
