SLRA Completes Pre-Bid Assessment for Proposed 97-Kilometre Tonkolili Road

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

The engagement was held along the Azzolini Highway in Magburaka and brought together prospective contractors, representatives of the Tonkolili District Council, mining companies, the National Public Procurement Authority, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

The exercise forms part of the procurement process and gave potential bidders an opportunity to assess existing conditions along the proposed route before preparing and submitting their bids. The inspection covered factors that could affect construction methods, project costs and implementation risks.

Priority sections identified

SLRA Director General Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu said several critical sections of the road had been identified as priority areas for intervention. He said prospective contractors were expected to examine the road alignment, terrain, pavement conditions, drainage systems, watercourses and other features relevant to the proposed works.

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

He also said the financing arrangement involved the Government of Sierra Leone, Kingho Mining Company (SL) Limited and other mining companies, in line with directives from the Ministry of Finance. SLRA, he added, would enforce engineering, environmental and quality standards during implementation and closely monitor progress to help prevent unnecessary delays.

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

Public-private financing

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

Alusine Abulia Sesay, Community Affairs Manager speaking on behalf of Leone Rock Metal Group, introduced China Railway First Group and China Railway No. 10 Group as Kingho subcontractors participating in the exercise. He said Leone Rock Metal Group and Kingho Mining Company were demonstrating private-sector participation in national development and expressed confidence that the project could be completed within the stipulated 24-month timeframe.

However, the pre-bid exercise does not represent an award of the construction contract. The final contractor has not been identified.

Expected benefits for Tonkolili

Tonkolili District Council Chairperson Madam Yabom Sesay said the proposed road was important to the district’s development prospects. She said local authorities had engaged various mining companies for more than 14 years in efforts to support construction of the road, with limited success.

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

She said the road could improve access to education, healthcare, commerce and wider social development in Tonkolili District.

Dr. Ing. Phodie Musa Kamara, the project coordinator and Deputy Director of Trunk Roads, said the completed route was expected to reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs while improving access to markets, public services, educational institutions and economic opportunities. He said the road would be constructed with durability, safety and environmental sustainability in mind.

Civil society representative Charles Mambu said civil society organisations would monitor implementation, with a focus on transparency, quality delivery and value for money.