By George M.O. Williams
FREETOWN, NOVEMBER 8, 2024 – The Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs in the People’s Republic of China and Secretary General of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China- Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Du Xiaohui has registered his government unwavering commitment to collaborating fully with the government of Sierra Leone in the implementation of the Fish Harbour Project at Black Johnson Community, Western Area Rural District in Freetown, during his visit to the project site.
The purpose of the visit which was the first by a very high-profile Chinese personality since the signing of an agreement between the two countries, was to provide an opportunity for Mr. Xiaohui to acquaint himself with the progress made so far in the initial phase of the Chinese funded project and chart the way forward for a successful implementation process, according to a statement from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Speaking during a conducted tour of the Site, Mr. Xiaohui, described the idea of implementing the project by Presidents, Xinjing Ping and Julius Maada Bio as laudable
He emphasized the need for close coordination among implementing partners including both local and international partners as well as the need for the government of Sierra Leone to provide basic requirements such as water, electricity, and roads to ensure a successful implementation of the project.
While expressing appreciation for the project site, he also entreated the government of Sierra Leone to provide other valuable opportunities that would attract Foreign Direct Investments, his country, China which he referred to as a nation with the largest global market for fisheries products, to create more employments and increase revenue generation, among others.
He appreciated the long-standing cordial bilateral relations between the two countries and thanked the government of Sierra Leone for its development strides.
Welcoming the envoy who was accompanied by Staff of the Chinese Embassy in Freetown to the site, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Brima Kebbie, expressed thanks and appreciation for the visit and assured him of the government’s determination to successfully implement the project.
Giving an Overview of the project, Acting Director of Fisheries, Sheku Sei, assured the visitor of the government’s desire to provide basic facilities and services that would expedite the successful implementation of the project as required by the Environmental, Social, Health Impact Assessment, ESHIA,
He intimated that, following the signing of the project implementation agreement, a Technical Working Committee, involving stakeholders, was established to address issues relating to the implementation of the project. He thanked the government of China for the gesture, saying, “The 252 acre-land project cannot be done without the cooperation of Sierra Leone, China and other Private Partners, adding that there are existing opportunities for investors interested in various areas including Cold Storage, Boats and Net Manufacturing and Trade.
Mr. Sei looked forward to a successful completion of the ongoing Bidding Process for Engineering work on the project.
The project’s Focal Person in the Ministry of Fisheries, Mohamed Jalloh, disclosed plans to expand the project further to make it very lucrative, tax-free, conducive and attractive to local and foreign investors.
He informed the visitor that they have been receiving quite a good number of people manifesting interests in investing in the project. and encouraged others to invest in what he referred to as one of the best harbours in Sub-Saharan Africa.