The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) on Friday awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the Tikonko-Kpetema-Mattru Jong Road to a Ghanaian Company, Maripoma Enterprises following a signing of the contract between Government of Sierra Leone represented by SLRA and the Company in Freetown.
The 42. 5 kilometer stretch of road will cost US$25 million and will be financed from loan from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) while the Government of Sierra Leone will provide US$3 million counterpart funding.
The Director General of SLRA, Ing. Amara Jambai Kanneh said that the road will be constructed in 24 months. He said that it took two years for the government working with development partners to reach at the agreement for the road project.
He applauded President Julius Maada Bio, the Chief Minister Jaccob Jusu Saffa and the Minister of Finance Dr. Dennis Vandi and other government officials for their efforts in actualizing the project. He said that International Competitive Bidding process was employed to select the competent company for the project.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of SLRA, Joseph Samba Keifala, noted that the road, if completed, would boost domestic trade, increase agricultural productivity, reduce travel time and improve the quality of life of locals.
The Managing Director of MARIPOMA Enterprise Ltd, Mahama Ayariga assured of quality work, and he noted that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets, Hon. Bashiru Silikie said that during their previous oversight visits, they observed the terrible condition of the Bo-Mattru Jong Road.
“Bo-Mattru Jong Road has been in a bad shape for far too long, but the Bio government is true to its promise and has decided to make it a reality,” he said.
He said that a Committee will be embarking on oversight visits to check the progress on the construction works. He applauded President Bio and line ministries for ensuring that the project becomes a reality.
By Sallieu S. Kanu