The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has completed a pre-bid meeting and site visit for the reconstruction of the 97-kilometre Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road. This vital project aims to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and improve access to essential services in Tonkolili District.
The meeting, held along the Azzolini Highway in Magburaka, included representatives from the Tonkolili District Council, Leone Rock Metal Group, Kingho Mining Company, potential contractors, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
The site visit allowed prospective bidders to assess the project corridor, familiarising them with current site conditions ahead of their submissions. SLRA Director General Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu highlighted the importance of road infrastructure for national development, emphasising that despite growing demands, funding for road construction and maintenance remains limited.
He stated, “Meaningful national development cannot be achieved without adequate road infrastructure,” asserting that improved roads support economic growth, broaden market access, and bolster healthcare and education services. Momodu noted the government’s efforts to tackle infrastructure financing through innovative funding, including public-private partnerships.
He confirmed that the financing structure for the project will ensure efficient resource usage while delivering long-term benefits to local communities. Momodu assured stakeholders that the SLRA will uphold engineering, environmental, and quality standards during implementation, stressing the importance of a transparent procurement process.
Senior Economist and Public Finance Expert at the Ministry of Finance, Joseph Fatoma, described the project as a model for sustainable infrastructure financing and expressed optimism about its timely completion. Fatoma encouraged further support for the Mile 91 road corridor to ensure comprehensive development.
Tonkolili District Council Chairperson Madam Yabom Sesay hailed the project as a long-awaited milestone for the district. She praised the government and its partners for turning the longstanding vision of road improvement into reality, underlining its critical role in enhancing education, healthcare, and commerce.
Community Affairs Manager of Leone Rock Metal Group, Alusine Abulia Sesay, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting local development through infrastructure investments and highlighted the positive impact of the road on the community.
Project Coordinator Dr. Ing. Phodie Musa Kamara assured stakeholders that the road would be constructed for durability and safety, significantly reducing travel times and improving access to markets and services across Tonkolili District.
Representatives from the NPPA reminded bidders of the need to comply with technical and financial requirements, outlining strict adherence to procurement regulations.
Civil society representative Charles Mambu welcomed the project as a historic step in addressing Tonkolili District’s infrastructure challenges while vowing to monitor its progress for transparency and quality assurance.
The Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road project is poised to catalyse economic growth and regional integration, strengthening transportation links between mining, agricultural, and commercial sectors in the district and beyond.
