It is no secret that the road from Magburaka to the iron ore mining site of Ferengbeya in the northern district of Tonkolili District, has been in broken-down condition. This has seen communities in that part of the country struggle to access many life-saving amenities like quality health care, education, food and safe drinking water.
Consequently, Leone Rock Metal Group, the parent body of Kingho Mining Company Limited operating the mine fields of Sambaia, Simiria and Dansogoia, has agreed to invest a total of over two billion nine hundred million Leones (Le 2.9 billion) for the maintenance of the road from the district headquarter town of Magburaka to the mining community of Ferengbeya.
The total stretch of road that will be reconstructed by the company is 57 kilometers, with 16 kilometer already completed, according to the Public Relations Officer of Leone Rock Metal Group, Abdul Malik Bangura.
He said that during the construction period which has already commenced weeks ago, more than 3,500 cubic meters of sand and gravel filling, 10 transport vehicles together with roller, grader, excavator, bulldozer, sprinkler, tanker truck, and logistics support vehicles are being utilized.
Bangura said the 13-kilometer road from Bumbuna to the mine has been repaired and completed using 9 sets of machinery and equipment, within a construction period of 17 days, filling 530 cubic meters of granite stone and 5,700 cubic meters of sand grain soil.
Members of the communities welcomed the project which they say would address one of their felt needs.
Note:
Leone Rock Metal Group is the parent body of Kingho Mining Company Limited and Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited. Kingho Mining Company Limited operates the Tonkolili Iron Ore Mines, whilst Kingho Railway and Port Company operates the 192 Kilometer railway as well as the Pepel Shipping Port.
By Sallieu S. Kanu