The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with consultants IDEAS Limited and four construction companies to complete three major tertiary hospital projects in the Western Area, alongside an oxygen production facility at Kerry Town.
The projects include the Lumley Government Hospital, Macauley Street Government Hospital, and Waterloo Government Hospital. These facilities, which had been described as abandoned or stalled for several years, were left incomplete following the closure of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development’s financing window, which halted construction activities.
The signing ceremony took place on Thursday, 14 May 2026.
Speaking at the event, the Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie, stated that the government considers the projects critical to addressing the country’s healthcare challenges. He explained that the Ministry of Finance explored alternative and innovative funding arrangements to ensure the completion of the facilities.
He added that the special arrangement was reached with contractors and the project consultant to determine the total funds required to complete both the remaining original works and approved additional works across all four sites.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, noted that the Western Area continues to expand, increasing the demand for improved hospital capacity. He further stated that the Ministry of Health is already mobilizing staff, equipment, and supplies to ensure the facilities become operational once completed.
The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, disclosed that the projects are between 80% and 90% complete. He urged the contractors to ensure timely delivery within the agreed project timeline as outlined in the MOU.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to the timely disbursement of funds in accordance with the agreed financing arrangement.
The total allocation for the completion of the projects is US$4,232,593.63.
The contracting firms involved Cubic Construction Company Limited, Fajaha International Construction, Hariss Construction, and Nimo Construction and Trading Enterprises are expected to complete the remaining works and approved additional works within the timeline specified in the Memorandum of Understanding.