A team of consultants from the COWI A/S consulting, a leading engineering firm in complex infrastructure designs with particular expertise in bridges, tunnels and marine structures, together with the Country Manager of the African Development Bank, engaged the Minister of Finance in a courtesy visit on their mission in Sierra Leone from 27th to 29th September 2023.
Introducing the team to the Minister, Halima Hashi, AfDB country manager, stated that this firm will assess the Lungi Bridge project’s overall technical and economic feasibility based on existing information supplemented with new observations.
She furthered that the result of this study will form a decision regarding the realistic scope and appropriateness of the project before proceeding with the engineering designs.
The Country Manager stated that the study will review and summarise recent studies and the best-suited technical solution for the bridge.
The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, welcomed the team and thanked the African Development Bank, its President and the Country Manager for following up on previous engagements concerning the Lungi Bridge project.
He also informed them that the government is committed to realising the bridge’s construction, stating there are many economic opportunities and potentials the bridge will derive from Lungi.
Minister Bangura stated that the government is exploring financing options for the Lungi Bridge and other massive infrastructure projects in various sectors.
Therefore, he welcomed the study and anticipates the outcome.
Other issues discussed were different financing potentials and options, selecting the right partners and collaboration with other government agencies to FastTrack the study and proceed to the next phase.
