Islamic Development Bank Assesses Sierra Leone Rice Project

July 14, 2024

On July 14, 2024, a joint supervision mission from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) visited Sierra Leone to evaluate the Regional Rice Value Chain Project's activities. The mission aimed to inspect the development of 4,000 hectares of irrigation in Tormabum, a crucial effort to boost rice production.

Upon the team's arrival, Paramount Chief Alex Maada Kaipumu of Bum Chiefdom, Bonthe District, thanked the IsDB for its support. He highlighted the significant impact the irrigation project would have on the government's Feed Salone program.

Sabiu Auwal, Operations Team Lead for Agriculture at the IsDB, praised the progress in constructing the irrigation scheme, rehabilitating two warehouses, building a new warehouse, and refurbishing 35 km of road. He urged the contractor to complete the work promptly to ensure proper utilization of these facilities.

Alhaji Mohamed Sesay, Project Engineer, noted that Pavifort Associates began construction and road rehabilitation in March. The irrigation project is set to last 18 months, with road rehabilitation taking 12 months. Pavifort Associates' General Manager, Mohamed Kamara, confirmed full mobilization for the tasks.

The IsDB mission team includes Senior Agriculture Specialist Br. Javed Khan, Operations Team Leader Br. Sabiu Auwal, and Project Management Specialist Sr. Asma Bousdira, accompanied by representatives from Sierra Leone's Ministry of Finance and technical staff from the Regional Rice Value Chain Project.