BY PRECIOUS MIRACLE KARGBO
Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), headed by Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens, has launched the inaugural phase of feasibility studies for the ambitious Sherbro Island City project. The initiative, unveiled on May 2nd, 2024, saw a consortium of global experts convene to draft a long-term master plan aimed at establishing an eco-city serving as a sustainable hub for commerce, education, energy, agriculture, entertainment, and tourism.
The project, envisioned to drive sustained economic growth and prosperity in the area, has received acclaim for its potential to uplift both Sherbro Island residents and all citizens of Sierra Leone. SAP has assembled an international team of renowned specialists in urban planning, design, architecture, infrastructure, sustainability, mobility, governance, and economics to guide the project towards realization.
A recent press release by SAP revealed that consultants embarked on an extensive reconnaissance mission to Sierra Leone, conducting surveys in both Freetown and Sherbro Island. Interacting with local communities and stakeholders, the team aimed to grasp the intricacies, challenges, and opportunities inherent in the development initiative.
The reconnaissance highlighted the diverse ecological systems and communities inhabiting Sherbro Island, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive data collection and survey initiatives to inform the master plan. Particularly noteworthy is the prioritization of community involvement and the rejuvenation of existing assets in the feasibility studies, reflecting a forward-thinking vision aligned with sustainability and resilience principles.
Siaka Stevens articulated the project’s overarching objective, underlining its potential to ignite sustained economic growth for the region and benefit Sierra Leone’s wider population.
The consortium of experts includes distinguished firms such as Sasaki Associates, Buro Happold, Foster & Partners, Pegasys, Frost & Sullivan, MIC-Hub, PRDW, and Agritecture. Their collaboration spans various domains including urban design, infrastructure, economic analysis, transportation systems, and agriculture, signaling a comprehensive approach to Sherbro Island’s development.
The Sherbro Island City project emerges as a pivotal opportunity for Sierra Leone to stimulate economic development, attract investments, and nurture a resilient and vibrant community. The partnership between SAP and the consortium underscores a firm commitment to crafting a master plan that will steer the island’s future trajectory and deliver nationwide benefits.
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