By Amin Kef (Ranger)
PAVI Fort Operational Director, Jowel Bernard Lawson, addressed public concerns on Sunday, July 16, 2023, over the recent damage to the under-construction Sani Abacha Street, a key development project undertaken by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Lawson assured that the project was an ongoing effort, with further plans to concrete the Roundabout area, extend 100m into Guard Street, 60m into Fourah Bay Road, and 150m into Goderich Street. He highlighted that this approach was specifically designed to be more accommodating to heavy water flow than asphalt.
The director acknowledged the unfortunate timing of a heavy downpour, which coincided with the early stages of the construction when the asphalt was still fresh and the concrete work had not been completed. He stressed that the rainfall was an unforeseen event that temporarily disrupted the project’s progress.
However, in the face of these challenges, Lawson confirmed that PAVI Fort had taken swift corrective measures. He announced that the company would soon be initiating concrete work specifically designed to absorb the heavy flow of water, thereby preventing future similar incidents.
The Government of Sierra Leone had launched the rapid development project on the renowned Sani Abacha Street on July 10, 2023. This initiative was part of a larger countrywide development scheme, which was well-documented by bloggers and social media commentators who shared ongoing progress pictures and videos.
Unfortunately, heavy rainfall just five days later caused significant damage to the newly constructed street, sparking concerns about the construction’s credibility and effectiveness. Social media quickly became a platform for public debate, with commentators questioning the expertise of the government and other stakeholders involved in the project.
In response to this, PAVI Fort’s assurance of their ongoing commitment and swift action towards addressing the issue presents a reassuring stance. The company remains confident and committed to the task at hand, ensuring the successful completion of the Sani Abacha Street project despite unexpected setbacks.
