14/08/2025
What a good news 🗞️
PARLIAMENT RATIFIES TOLL AGREEMENTS TO CONSTRUCT MANO JUNCTION, TONGO/ BUMPEH ROAD
The Parliament of Sierra Leone, on Wednesday, 13/08/2025, ratified road construction agreements between Sierra Leone and others with some amendments in the interest of the State.
The following agreements relating to the reconstruction of the Mano Junction via Tongo to Bunpeh Road were laid on the Table of Parliament last Monday, for the consideration of Parliament:
1. Concession Agreement by and Between the Government of Sierra Leone Represented by the Ministry of Works and Public Assets (MoWPA, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and the Societe Djura Maritel Construction (SDMCO) LTD and Partners Relating to the Design, Reconstruction Tolling, Operation and Maintenance of the Mano Junction _ TONGO _BUMPEH Through Private Sector Intervention using Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model under Design, Finance, Build Operate and Transfer (DFBOT) Arrangement Dated 4th August, 2025
2. The Proposed Public Private Partnership Financing for the Construction of the MANO Junction TONGO-BUMPEH Road Project Stakeholder Engagement Report by Safeguard Specialist of Sierra Leone Road Authority Dated 4th August 2025.
Presenting a series of agreements before Parliament, the Minister of Works and Public Asset, Dr. Denis Sandi described the agreements as a significant step in expanding Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and road construction initiatives. He added that the agreements will add to the transformation of Sierra Leone. "This is an 85-kilometer road construction project that will enhance the growth and development of the country,"he said.
In his submission to the debate, the Deputy Leader of Opposition 2, Hon. Aaron Koroma said the agreements are synonymous with the previous government, in light of the construction of Wellington Masiaka Toll Road. He added that the quality construction of the toll road has drastically reduced the accident rate in the country. He said unlike the Wellington Masiaka toll road, the government is providing 50% resource to the construction of the recent toll road agreements. He expressed concern that government is not expected to realise any percentage, irrespective of its contribution towards the new agreement for the construction of the Mano Junction Road. "To have four tollgates in the rural community, the cost is huge for the people,"he added. He urged the House to do a proper review of the agreements in order to reduce economic burden on the people of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Ing.Habib Fabbah, Member of Parliament representing Bo District, who doubles as the Deputy Chairman of Committee on Works, said the agreements should have been given thorough perusal before coming to Parliament. He said the agreements need maximum attention.
Hon. Zainab Catherine Tarawallie, Deputy Opposition Whip 1, from Bombali District, said toll road helped government for development of any country, she however encouraged the Legislative Committee to be included in the preparation of agreements on behalf of Sierra Leone. She said the people are in need of the road, but the government should be considerate, particularly with regards minimizing the number of proposed tollgates in the agreements.
Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin from Bo District said the Ministry of Works and SLRA did a good job in preparing the agreements. He commended all parties involved in the production of Mano Junction Road agreements, and he concluded by asking institutions to work in the interest of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Musa Fofanah, from Kono District, expressed appreciation to the said ministry for piloting the agreements. He said Members of Parliament should be highly involved and consulted in activities taking place in their respective Districts. He urged the Minister to clarify areas that require clarification for the people of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Rugiatu Tarawallie Mussaffa from Kenema District, in her contribution to debate, said the agreements are in place, but it should be in the interest of Sierra Leone. She asked for at least two tollgates to be in the agreements for construction,"Four tollgates will be a burden for the people of Sierra Leone. "Please give us two tollgates,"she pleaded. She continued by asking MDA's to be involving Members of Parliament in governmental activities.
Hon.Simeon Johnny from Kono District, said in as much as the documents should be given proper consideration but should not be compared with other toll road agreements. He asked the Minister to kindly give high attention to other areas in the Kono district for road construction.
Hon. Lolo Tongi from Kailahun District mentioned the mistake done with the previous tollgates not to repeat in the new agreements. She highlighted the lack of maintenance culture in Sierra Leone, which is highly apparent in infrastructural development in the country.
Hon. Alice Kornya Sandy from Kenema District expressed satisfaction over the construction of Mano Junction Road .Hon. Sandy expressed some concerns in the agreements, citing the procurement process. "The Minister and all those involved should carefully look at the agreement to ensure it's properly done,"she said.
The side of government, the Deputy Majority Leader of Government Business 2, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina said the agreements are indeed a replica of President Bio as "talk and do President." President Maada Bio woukd remain a champion of infrastructure in Sierra Leone,"he said. He continued that the president is making history for constructing a major road in the country. He said road maintaince is a major challenge in Sierra Leone and encouraged government and other institutions to ensure effective maintaince across all sectors.
Concluding the debate on the side of opposition, the Acting Leader of Opposition,Hon. Daniel Koroma said certain processes were breached in bringing the agreements to Parliament. "Agreements don't need annulment but can be amended," he cited, referencing section 170 subsection 7 of the 1991 Constitution. He added that, had Parliament been engaged, some of the errors in the agreements would have been addressed. He said certain clauses in the agreement, which speak about duration, are confusing to the people of Sierra Leone and therefore asked for clarification from the Minister. He highlighted the need for relocation of certain institutions to the interior to attract more developments in other parts of the country. He discouraged the usage and transactions in US dollars in agreements and other businesses in Sierra Leone.
Rounding up the debate on the side of Government, the Acting Majority Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, said the amount paid for this new agreement is comparatively better than the Wellington and Masiaka toll road. He stated that the toll road between Kenema and Kono will last for 30 years. He said most of the roads constructed in the past are now in deplorable conditions due to a lack of maintaince. He said the companies would undertake corporate social responsibilities and that Parliament would perform oversight functions to ensure full compliance in the agreements.
Corrections and amendments were made on different areas including the timeline of the agreements and that government should have 20% in the agreements and 25% of the gross revenue generated.It was further amended that 15 Kilometers road should be constructed before the collection of tollgates and that the toll pricing to be paid in Leones instead of US dollars.
The Speaker of Parliament patriotically revealed that in the future, Parliament should thoroughly look at agreements clauses by clauses in order to sincerely consider the interest of the State.
CR: Parliamentary and Public Relations Department
Parliament of Sierra Leone
