President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has showered praise on Pavi Fort Limited following an extensive inspection of the company’s ongoing irrigation development at Torma Bum in Bum Chiefdom, Bonthe District, describing the project as a shining example of how strategic partnerships between Government and the private sector can transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape and accelerate the nation’s march toward food self-sufficiency.
During the high-profile oversight visit, the President toured key sections of the expansive irrigation scheme currently under construction by Pavi Fort Limited, where he witnessed first-hand the remarkable progress being made in developing one of the country’s most ambitious agricultural infrastructure projects under the Government’s flagship Feed Salone programme.
Accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, and the Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Limited, Alimu Barrie, President Bio received comprehensive briefings on the ongoing construction of the pumping stations, main and secondary irrigation canals, drainage networks, water-control structures, access roads and extensive land-development activities that are expected to revolutionize rice cultivation in the area.
The President expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work undertaken by Pavi Fort, commending the company’s professionalism, resilience and commitment despite the technical and financial challenges associated with executing such a complex infrastructure project.
President Bio noted that the visible progress demonstrated that Sierra Leone possesses capable indigenous companies able to execute large-scale national development projects successfully when given the opportunity.
He called on other private sector companies to emulate Pavi Fort’s example by investing their expertise, innovation and resources in projects that directly contribute to national development, job creation and food security.
The Pavi Fort Irrigation Development Project at Torma Bum stands today as one of Sierra Leone’s flagship agricultural infrastructure investments. Implemented by Pavi Fort Al Associates on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the Sierra Leone Regional Rice Value Chain Project, the initiative is supported by financing from development partners, including the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Designed to reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall, the irrigation system will enable year-round rice cultivation through reliable water management infrastructure, significantly increasing agricultural productivity while creating opportunities for multiple cropping seasons and expanded commercial farming.
Speaking during the presidential inspection, Pavi Fort Chief Executive Officer Alimu Barrie expressed appreciation for President Bio’s visit and unwavering commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the Feed Salone agenda.
“We are deeply honoured by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s visit and his encouraging assessment of the work undertaken by Pavi Fort. His recognition motivates our engineers, technicians and workforce to remain fully committed to delivering an irrigation system that will stand the test of time and transform agricultural production in Torma Bum.”
Barrie emphasized that the project represents far more than the construction of canals and pumping stations.
“This is a national investment in Sierra Leone’s future. Every canal we construct, every pumping station we install and every hectare we prepare brings the country closer to achieving sustainable rice production, reducing dependence on imported rice and creating lasting opportunities for farming communities.”
The Pavi Fort CEO also acknowledged the strong collaboration between Government, development partners and local stakeholders that has enabled steady progress.
“We sincerely appreciate the confidence reposed in Pavi Fort by the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and our development partners. Despite difficult swampy terrain, engineering design variations and delayed disbursement of project funds, our team has remained focused on delivering quality infrastructure that meets international standards.”
Barrie further reaffirmed the company’s commitment to completing the project with excellence.
“Pavi Fort remains committed to delivering this landmark project efficiently, safely and professionally. We believe this irrigation scheme will become a model for modern agricultural infrastructure and demonstrate what indigenous engineering companies can achieve when entrusted with strategic national assignments.”
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka explained that the first two irrigation sectors cover approximately 2,000 hectares supported by more than 25 kilometres of main and branch canals designed to provide dependable water supply throughout the year.
According to the Minister, Torma Bum is being developed into a fully integrated agro-industrial rice cluster that links irrigation and land development with mechanization, aggregation, processing, storage, packaging and improved market access.
He said the project represents Government’s deliberate transition from seasonal, subsistence farming toward a coordinated, commercially driven agricultural system led by strong public-private partnerships.
Dr. Kpaka praised President Bio for maintaining close oversight of the Feed Salone programme, noting that regular presidential inspections strengthen accountability while sustaining momentum across implementing institutions and project partners.
He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, traditional authorities, farming communities, contractors, project staff, development partners and the private sector in supporting the country’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The irrigation development includes the construction of approximately 1,400 hectares of irrigated rice fields, two major pumping stations, an extensive network of irrigation canals and drainage systems, modern water-control structures and the rehabilitation of supporting rural infrastructure, including access roads.
When fully completed, the project is expected to dramatically increase rice production through year-round cultivation, reduce Sierra Leone’s dependence on imported rice, create thousands of employment opportunities for farmers—particularly women and young people—improve household incomes and stimulate agro-industrial growth through modern rice processing and value addition.
Widely regarded as one of the country’s most strategic agricultural investments, the Torma Bum Irrigation Project builds upon the area’s long history as one of Sierra Leone’s most productive rice-growing regions while introducing modern irrigation technology capable of maximizing yields and enhancing climate resilience.
For many observers, President Bio’s commendation of Pavi Fort Limited underscores the critical role that competent indigenous companies can play in implementing transformative national projects. The impressive progress recorded at Torma Bum has not only strengthened confidence in the company’s engineering capabilities but has also reinforced optimism that the Feed Salone agenda is steadily laying the foundation for a more food-secure, self-reliant and prosperous Sierra Leone.