On Saturday, August 30, 2024, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) appraisal mission team visited Tormabum to evaluate the ongoing activities of the Regional Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). The visit focused on assessing progress in road and irrigation infrastructure funded by BADEA and conducting a pre-appraisal for the upcoming Tormabum Industrial Cluster project.

The Tormabum Industrial Cluster project aims to expand irrigation infrastructure across 30,000 hectares in Tormabum. BADEA is currently funding the rehabilitation of the road from Victoria to Manokongia and developing irrigation infrastructure in the 3rd sector. This is part of the larger effort to boost rice production and support the FeedSalone program, a national initiative aimed at enhancing food security.

Mr. Diab Karrar, Chief Operations Officer of BADEA, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress and implementation. He praised the effective management and execution of the funded activities, particularly the ongoing development of the 4,000-hectare irrigation scheme. Mr. Karrar emphasized that this development would serve as a model for the planned 30,000-hectare irrigation expansion, which is expected to have a significant impact on agricultural productivity in the region.

During the visit, Alhaji Mohamed Sesay, the Project Engineer of RRVCP, guided the BADEA team through various infrastructure sites. He reported that while excavation work for the pumping stations had been successfully completed, the road construction had been delayed due to heavy rains, causing slower progress than anticipated.

The BADEA mission was accompanied by technical staff from the Ministry of Finance and the Regional Rice Value Chain Project, reflecting the collaborative efforts between the government and international partners to enhance agricultural infrastructure and promote sustainable development in Sierra Leone.