Lungi Bridge Could Be Realized Soon

By Sierra Leone Monitor

In a significant step forward for Sierra Leone’s infrastructure ambitions, Bryan Hunt, the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, recently convened a high-level meeting with Dr. Turad Senesie, the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning. The primary focus of their discussion was the potential for U.S. investment in the long-envisioned Freetown–Lungi Bridge project. This pivotal meeting, held on Tuesday, June 17, at the Youyi Building in Freetown, also saw the participation of a delegation of American private sector investors, underscoring a burgeoning U.S. interest in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development.

The central theme of the discussions, as confirmed by the Ministry, revolved around the Sierra Leonean government’s long-standing objective of constructing a bridge to connect Freetown, the capital, with Lungi, the location of the country’s sole international airport. This proposed bridge is widely regarded as a transformative initiative, poised to significantly improve accessibility, drastically cut down travel times, and unlock a wealth of new economic opportunities for the nation.

Following the meeting, a Ministry spokesperson characterized the engagement as “very productive.” The discussions delved into various avenues of mutual cooperation and thoroughly explored the potential for U.S. private sector involvement in both financing and executing the ambitious bridge project. The spokesperson emphasized, “The Lungi Bridge remains one of the government’s flagship infrastructure priorities. We welcome interest from international partners like the United States and its investors, who share our vision of a more connected and prosperous Sierra Leone.”

While specific investment commitments and detailed timelines are yet to be revealed, officials have assured the public that further updates will be provided as the discussions evolve. This engagement represents another important milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the United States and Sierra Leone, particularly in the crucial sectors of infrastructure, investment, and sustainable development. The Ministry anticipates ongoing dialogue and technical consultations over the coming months, as both nations collaborate to bring the vital Lungi Bridge project to fruition.