The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, awarded works contract to China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO) Ltd. for the Upgrading of the Kailahun-Buedu Road, which is Lot One of the Kailahun-Koindu- Guinea-Liberia Border Road Project.
The ceremony for the signing and award of contract was held on Saturday, 28 January 2023 at the Kailahun Court Baray in the presence of stakeholders and residents of Kailahun District.
Delivering statement before the official signing of contract, the Director General of SLRA, Ing. Amara Jambai Kanneh said he was very delighted for finalizing the processes leading to the award of contract for the upgrading of a very important road in Kailahun District.
“We have finalised the procurement process and have chosen CHICO as the works contractor for the Kailahun-Buedu Road because they were the most responsive bidder and the company has a track record of constructing good roads, including the Pendembu-Kailahun Road,” he revealed.
He encouraged the people of Kailahun to corporate with the contractor.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors for SLRA, Mr. Joseph Samba Kaifala said the signing ceremony for the Kailahun-Buedu Road is a fulfillment of President Julius Maada Bio’s Manifesto promise to connect all district headquarters towns in the country.
The Chairman of Kailahun District Council, Sahr A.K Lamin, said the award of contract has ended a long story as President Bio has fulfilled what he promised.
He committed to monitor the road works, and encouraged the youths that will be fortunate to be employed by the contractor to be diligent in their work.
The Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Sahr Jusu expressed the commitment of government to provide the counterpart funding for the road project, and urged the contractor to start work as soon as possible.
The Members of Parliament for Constituencies 001, 002, 003 and 004 commended President Bio for fulfilling his promise and encouraged their constituents to be patient as more development projects are underway.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kaikai told the gathering that President Bio had outlined his development program in the Medium Term National Development Plan, and infrastructural development is a major component of the plan that he is rolling out in various parts of the country.
“We have done many projects, but this one is very important. I can confirm that the entire stretch of this road will be constructed,” he reaffirmed.
He challenged the various stakeholders to do what is expected of them for the project to be done accordingly.
The Kailahun-Buedu Road project is part of the Mano River Union Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme that is financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The Civil works is expected to start in the coming weeks and be completed in 24 months.