President Bio Reduces Stall Rent at New Sewa Ground Market by 50%

Traders in the newly commissioned Sewa Grounds Market have welcomed a major relief package after President Julius Maada Bio announced a 50 percent cut in stall rental fees, reducing the cost from NLe 12,000 to NLe 6,000.

The decision, revealed during the official opening of the market on Thursday, aims to ease the financial burden on small businesses and encourage traders to transition from unsafe street vending to the new facility.

“This cost will remain the same until the end of my tenure in office,” President Bio declared. “It is a demonstration of my government’s commitment to create an enabling environment and support Sierra Leoneans in building sustainable livelihoods.”

The Sewa Grounds Market, built by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NaSSIT), provides more than 1,500 trading spaces along with modern amenities such as toilets, water towers, daycare services, lockup shops, and 24-hour security.

NaSSIT Director General Mohamed Fuaad Daboh confirmed that the Trust had originally pegged the rent at NLe 12,000 to recover construction costs, but welcomed the President’s intervention. “We will continue to manage and maintain this facility at the highest standard while ensuring affordability for traders,” he assured.

For many traders, especially women who form the bulk of the informal sector, the price cut is seen as a lifeline.

“This gives us the chance to trade with dignity without worrying about unaffordable fees,” said Mariatu Kamara, a vegetable seller.