By: Saidu Jalloh
The National Investment Board (NIB) has led a high-level delegation from Guangxi Shenglong Metallurgical Co., Ltd. on a stakeholder engagement and site assessment for the proposed Mando Deep-Water Port Project in Timdale Chiefdom, Moyamba District, as discussions continue over the company’s planned investment in the strategic infrastructure initiative.
The visit followed the company’s Expression of Interest (EOI) to invest in the proposed deep-water port, which the NIB says has the potential to transform Moyamba District into a major industrial, logistics, and investment hub.
Welcoming the delegation, Paramount Chief Solongnie expressed appreciation to the investors for visiting the proposed project site to assess its viability. He assured the delegation of the community’s full support, noting that residents are prepared to contribute labour and cooperate throughout the implementation of the project. He added that fishing and agriculture remain the chiefdom’s primary sources of livelihood and expressed optimism that the investment would generate employment opportunities while complementing existing economic activities.
NIB Executive Director, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, described the visit as a significant milestone in the investment facilitation process. He acknowledged that while large-scale infrastructure projects often present challenges, they also create opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. He encouraged the host communities to embrace the proposed investment, emphasizing its potential to create jobs, stimulate local economic activity, and position the area as a strategic investment destination. He further called on community members to work closely with the Government and prospective investors to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
The constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Mustapha M. Sellu, explained that the visit was intended to enable the investors to conduct a firsthand assessment of the proposed site before making a final investment decision. He said the deep-water port project has the potential to create employment, expand trade, improve transport and logistics connectivity, and boost economic activity, positioning Moyamba District as a key gateway for national and regional development.
Following the stakeholder engagement, the delegation toured the proposed project site, inspecting its geographical features, coastline, and surrounding infrastructure as part of its due diligence process. The visit also provided an opportunity for further consultations with local stakeholders on the project’s feasibility and long-term benefits.
The National Investment Board said the engagement reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating strategic investments that promote infrastructure development, strengthen investor confidence, and deliver sustainable socio-economic benefits for the people of Sierra Leone.