By: Aminata Sesay
The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has advanced plans for the reconstruction of the 97-kilometre Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road in Tonkolili District following a pre-bid site visit by prospective contractors.
The exercise, held along the Azzolini Highway in Magburaka, formed part of the procurement process and allowed potential bidders to assess the road corridor, terrain, existing road conditions, drainage systems and other factors that could affect construction costs, methods and timelines.
The project is being pursued through a public-private financing arrangement involving the Government of Sierra Leone, Kingho Mining Company (SL) Limited and other mining-sector partners.
SLRA Director General Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu said the site visit would enable contractors to gain a clear understanding of the road conditions and prepare realistic technical and financial proposals.
He said the Authority remained committed to transparency and fair competition throughout the procurement process, adding that the most responsive and compliant bidder would be selected.
Ing. Momodu said the project also reflected the Government’s efforts to explore alternative financing mechanisms for major infrastructure projects amid growing demands for road construction and maintenance.
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Senior Economist and Public Finance Expert Joseph Fatoma described the initiative as an example of sustainable infrastructure financing that could provide lessons for similar projects in the future.
For communities in Tonkolili, the proposed road is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges and improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.
Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, Madam Yabom Sesay, described the project as a long-awaited development for the district. She said local authorities had spent more than 14 years engaging mining companies for support towards improving the road corridor.
She pledged the Council’s cooperation towards the successful implementation of the project.
The private sector has also expressed support for the initiative. Community Affairs Manager of Leone Rock Metal Group, Alusine Abulia Sesay, said the company’s participation reflected its commitment to infrastructure development and improving livelihoods in communities within its operational areas.
He introduced China Railway First Group and China Railway No. 10 Group as two Kingho subcontractors participating in the pre-bid exercise and expressed confidence that the road could be completed within the stipulated 24-month period once construction begins.
Project Coordinator Dr. Ing. Phodie Musa Kamara, Deputy Director of Trunk Roads at SLRA, said the project would prioritize durability, road safety and environmental sustainability.
According to him, the completed road is expected to reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs while improving the transportation of agricultural produce and access to economic opportunities along the corridor.
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) reminded prospective bidders to comply fully with procurement requirements, including provisions on technical competence, financial capacity and climate resilience.
Civil society representatives also welcomed the project and called for continued public oversight to promote transparency, quality delivery and value for money.
The 97-kilometre corridor is expected to strengthen links between mining, agricultural and commercial communities in Tonkolili and contribute to increased economic activity when completed.
The completion of the pre-bid site visit marks another step towards implementation of the long-awaited road project, with prospective contractors expected to incorporate their site assessments into their bids.