By: Kadiatu Sankoh
The Acting Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Gondoe, on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, updated the public on the newly commissioned Sewa Ground Market.
Speaking during the weekly Government press conference at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown,
Mr. Gondoe described the Sewa Ground Market as one of NASSIT’s most significant investments that comprises the following:
- 85 warehouse blocks
- 170 upscale lockup shops (164 single units and 6 double units)
- 277 medium-scale lockup shops
- 1,750 open stalls
The Acting Director General explained that all the stalls have essential amenities such as electricity, fan, and water.
He also announced the annual rental prices for each facility:
- Warehouse blocks: NLe 50,000
- Upscale lockup shops: NLe 50,000 to NLe 250,000 (identified as ideal for offices, banks, and insurance companies)
- Medium-scale lockup shops: NLe 20,000 to NLe 25,000
- Open stalls: NLe 6,000
Mr Gondoe commended His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his direct intervention in reducing the rent for the open stalls from the original cost of NLe 12000 to NLe 6000.
According to Mr Gondoe, this significant reduction aims to make the market more accessible and affordable for petty traders, a move that was acknowledged as a demonstration of the President’s commitment to supporting ordinary citizens.
The new Sewa Ground Market project, valued at approximately $20 million, will be managed by the Sierra Estate Management Company (SEMCO).