The Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority (SLRDRA) held a workshop on Thursday, 9th October 2026, to review its Draft Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026-2030. The plan aims to revitalise the national railway system and enhance safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation, including cable cars.
Director-General Ing. Dr. Albert Forde emphasised the importance of stakeholder feedback to strengthen the Authority’s foundations. Deputy Director-General Mr. George Simeon Songu welcomed participants, stating their insights would improve the draft.
Ing. Abdul Kaadiru Kallon, the Director of Environmental Compliance, presented five strategic pillars: operationalising the Authority, mobilising revenue for financial sustainability, developing regulations for railways and cable cars, preparing a National Railway Master Plan, and advancing priority projects. The Master Plan will encompass 14 connected corridors stretching about 1,900 kilometres, with the Kasafoni–Banana Island corridor marked as a priority.
Participants highlighted concerns such as public-private partnerships, railway safety, land acquisition, and planning for cable cars nationwide. The representative from the National Investment Board called for better governance in public-private partnerships and independent investment reviews for specific areas.
The Ministry of Finance representative stressed the need for a solid funding plan and risk assessment. The Environmental Protection Agency urged consideration of broader economic benefits beyond mining. Further discussion clarified roles among public bodies, especially concerning cable car oversight and land acquisition issues.
At the meeting’s conclusion, Mr. Samuel Morgan from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and Ms. Adama Boima from the Ministry of Justice proposed adopting the Draft Strategic Plan. The workshop ended with stakeholders’ recommendations, although it remains unclear whether the motion was formally approved.
The meeting underscored the necessity for refining the strategic plan based on stakeholder feedback.
Prepared by: Mariama Iyatunde Mansare, Public Relations Officer, Sierra Leone Railways Development and Regulatory Authority (SLRDRA)
