By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a significant step towards assessing the progress of the ongoing 75 kilometres road grading and gravelling from Njala Junction to Bauya Junction to Tihun Road by Pavi Fort Construction Company, the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy, along with the Deputy Minister, Madam Queen Fofana, on Thursday 7th December, 2023 conducted a site inspection to assess the progress made so far in order to ensure that the Project aligns with the Government’s commitment to enhance transportation networks.
Addressing members of the Press during the inspection ceremony, the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy expressed satisfaction and appreciation for the commendable done so far by Pavi Fort Construction Company underscoring that the company has extremely done well just within few days of the implementation phase.
He revealed that the construction company assured him that the grading and gravelling would be completed before the Christmas period, especially before the departure of His Excellency, the President, Julius Maada Bio prior to the upcoming holidays.
The Minister commended the Government’s commitment to timely development under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership and pledged that his Ministry will continue to play a pivotal role in actualizing and exceeding the expectations of the people.
He emphasized the significant impact of the graded roads, noting that they would enhance trade, attract investors, improve safety and comfort for travelers stressing their considerable contribution to socio-economic development.
Dr. Sandy revealed how the road will lead to the Southeast as far as Bompeh and Bo District but said more especially Mattru Jong and the home town of the President which is Tihun.
He further informed how the Project aligns with the Government’s commitment to enhancing transportation networks within the Southeast also intimating that the first phase only deals with grading and gravelling of the road, expressing his expectation of seeing the road from Njala Junction to Bauya Junction to Mattru Jong and Tihun Road constructed and tarred within the next two years.
The Minister confirmed that the road grading project is 100% funded by the Government, showcasing its commitment to transforming the landscape of road construction in the country.
On his part, Pavi Fort Construction Company’s Project Manager for the grading and gravelling project, Teramaja Taeshome, applauded the Government of Sierra Leone for entrusting Pavi Fort Construction Company with the grading and gravelling from Njala Junction to Bauya Junction to Tihun Road.
He assured of the company delivering quality work and affirmed that they are working tirelessly to ensure that the project is completed before the Christmas period.
Mustapha Lavally, a bike rider, expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone for funding the grading and gravelling of the road. He said that it was very challenging for bike riders using the road as they were forced to do frequent repairs due to the poor condition of the road lamenting how sometimes preventable accidents do occur but expressed delight that with the grading and gravelling work going on those will minimally reduce.
