Sierra Leone’s Parliament has approved a series of agreements for the reconstruction of the Mano Junction–Tongo–Bumpeh Road, introducing key amendments to safeguard national interests
The agreements, laid before the House earlier last week, include a concession deal between the Government, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), and Société Djura Maritel Construction (SDMCO) Ltd. under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The 85-kilometre project will be executed under a Design, Finance, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DFBOT) model.
Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandi, described the initiative as a major boost for the country’s infrastructure, promising significant economic benefits.
While many MPs welcomed the project, several raised concerns over the proposed four tollgates, high costs for rural communities, and the need for parliamentary involvement in project planning.
Amendments made during deliberations include granting the government a 20% stake in the project, securing 25% of gross revenue, requiring 15 kilometres of road completion before toll collection begins, and ensuring toll payments are made in Leones instead of US dollars.
The Speaker emphasised that future agreements should undergo detailed, clause-by-clause scrutiny to ensure they fully serve the interests of the State.