SLRA Advances Procurement for 97km Magburaka–Bumbuna–Sambaia Bendugu Road

The Sierra Leone Roads Authority has completed a pre-bid meeting and site visit for the proposed reconstruction of the 97-kilometre Magburaka-Bumbuna-Sambaia Bendugu Road.

The engagement, held along the Azzolini Highway in Magburaka, formed part of the procurement process. It gave prospective contractors an opportunity to inspect the road corridor and assess existing conditions before preparing and submitting bids.

Participants included representatives of the Tonkolili District Council, Leone Rock Metal Group, Kingho Mining Company, the National Public Procurement Authority, civil society organisations and prospective contractors.

Contractors assess project conditions

According to Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, bidders were expected to examine the road alignment, terrain, pavement conditions, drainage systems and watercourses. Those factors could influence construction methods, project costs and implementation risks.

Momodu linked the project to wider development needs in Tonkolili District and said improved roads can expand access to markets, strengthen healthcare and educational services and support social integration.

“Meaningful national development cannot be achieved without adequate road infrastructure,” Momodu said.

The proposed road is expected to improve connections among mining, agricultural and commercial communities in Tonkolili District and beyond. The source report also described the project as a potential contributor to economic growth and improved access to essential services.

Public-private financing arrangement

Momodu said the financing arrangement involves the Government of Sierra Leone, Kingho Mining Company (SL) Limited and other mining companies, in line with directives from the Ministry of Finance. He presented the arrangement as an example of a public-private partnership approach.

Joseph Fatoma, a senior economist and public finance expert representing the Ministry of Finance, said implementation could provide a model for sustainable infrastructure financing and serve as a benchmark for future investments in Sierra Leone.

Alusine Abulia Sesay, Community Affairs Manager representing Leone Rock Metal Group, said Leone Rock and Kingho were participating in private-sector infrastructure development. He also introduced China Railway First Group and China Railway No. 10 Group as two Kingho subcontractors involved in the exercise.

Sesay expressed confidence that the project could be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeframe. The source report does not provide a construction start date or identify a winning contractor.

Procurement and monitoring commitments

Representatives of the National Public Procurement Authority reminded prospective bidders that evaluation would consider technical competence, financial capacity, climate resilience and sufficient capital resources.

Momodu said the Roads Authority would apply engineering, environmental and quality standards and monitor progress to help prevent unnecessary delays. He also reaffirmed that the contract would go to the most responsive and compliant bidder.

“The Authority remains committed to transparency, accountability and fairness. The most responsive and compliant bidder will be awarded the contract,” he said.

Madam Yabom Sesay, Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, said local authorities had engaged mining companies for more than 14 years in efforts to support construction of the road, with limited success. The council has pledged full support for implementation.

“This is a project that will define our district’s development journey, and we will ensure it is delivered to the highest standards,” she said.

Dr. Ing. Phodie Musa Kamara, the project coordinator and Deputy Director of Trunk Roads, said completion would reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs while improving access to markets, public services, educational institutions and economic opportunities.

Charles Mambu, representing civil society, said civil society organisations would monitor implementation to promote transparency, quality delivery and value for money. The project coordinator also said the road would be built with durability, safety and environmental sustainability in mind.