By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a bold step toward transforming Sierra Leone’s infrastructure, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), led by Director General Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu has teamed up with Pavi Fort Al-Associates, a renowned construction company with over 25 years of expertise. This strategic partnership aims to address critical road repairs and upgrades, many of which were caused by the recent rainy season, while setting a new benchmark for sustainable development across the nation.
Pavi Fort is currently working on several key projects throughout Freetown. These include pre-mix patching of roads across the city and road overlays at major locations such as Ferry Junction, Signal Hill, Juba, Shell New Road, Texaco and Portee. Additionally, the company is installing median guard railings at critical spots along Spur Road, Wilkinson Road and Juba, enhancing both safety and road durability.
One of the most notable projects is the restoration of the Masiaka-Bo-Kenema Highway. This once-dangerous stretch of road has been revitalized with pre-mix patching, significantly improving travel safety. The company is now working on similar upgrades to the Makeni-Kono Highway, which had previously been riddled with potholes. These upgrades have made a huge difference, ensuring smoother, safer passage and bolstering trade and mobility between vital regions.
In Freetown, Pavi Fort is working tirelessly to upgrade township roads, with crews even operating at night under floodlights to meet project deadlines. In addition, the Juba and Peninsula roads are being upgraded, improving urban connectivity for both residents and tourists exploring Sierra Leone’s scenic landscapes.
Pavi Fort’s impact extends beyond road repairs. Significant ongoing projects include:
- Tikonko-Kpetema-Mattru Jong Road: A 38.1-kilometer road that will significantly enhance regional trade and agricultural activities.
- Modern Lumley Market Center: A four-story facility featuring storage units, a hospital, entertainment spaces and ample parking, setting new standards for urban development in Sierra Leone.
- Functional Traffic Signals: Newly installed traffic lights at Ferry Junction, Congo Cross and Lumley Roundabout have greatly improved traffic flow and safety.
The Transport Transit Terminal in Lumley constructed by Pavi Fort, was officially inaugurated on November 27, 2024, by President Julius Maada Bio. It is part of the World Bank-funded Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project (IRUMP) and will enhance public transportation, road safety and climate resilience.
Under Director General Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu’s guidance, SLRA has fostered productive public-private partnerships that prioritize safety, quality and environmental sustainability. Pavi Fort’s Chairman and CEO, Alimu Sanu Barrie, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality projects on time, in line with Government standards.
During the inauguration of the Lumley Terminal, President Bio hailed the initiative as a key element of his Big Five Game Changer Agenda, noting its role in reducing congestion, improving transportation efficiency and enhancing public safety.
President Bio also called on citizens to actively participate in maintaining these new developments: “The success of this infrastructure lies in our hands. Let us take ownership, maintain it responsibly, and maximize its benefits for generations to come,” he stated.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, also praised the collaboration between the Government and Pavi Fort, highlighting its importance in advancing Sierra Leone’s national development objectives.
With SLRA’s strategic leadership and Pavi Fort’s ongoing contributions, Sierra Leone is witnessing a new era of infrastructure development. These projects promise to improve road safety, enhance connectivity and open up greater economic opportunities for the nation.
As SLRA and Pavi Fort continue their transformative work, Sierra Leone is on track to modernize its infrastructure, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
