Passenger Train Service Set to Return to Sierra Leone

Passenger trains are set to return to Sierra Leone after it was discontinued under the Siaka Stevens regime nearly 50 years ago.

During the launch of the Special Industrial Zone (SIZ) in Koya, Port Loko District by ARISE IIP, the company’s Logistic Value Chain Director, Jesper Boll revealed that they have plans to start passenger train service in Sierra Leone.

Director Boll said that the train is already on its way to the West African nation.

He stated that they believe as a company that Sierra Leone will only achieve its full potential if there is a link between the port and the interior of the West African nation.

He added that the company will also be looking forward to transporting workers and passengers from the interior to the SIZ where factories will be available to process local goods for consumption and export.

Some of the factories to be constructed early in the over 1,500 hectares will include a pharmaceutical unit, ceramic tile unit and non-ferrous metal recycling unit.

The Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Cooperation, Samalia Zubairu said that the SIZ has the capability to transform Sierra Leone’s economy since it will drastically reduce import. He said the problem of the country’s economy is similar to other African nations because they consume more of imported product than the export.

Passenger train service was introduced by the British Government in the Sierra Leone colony in the early 20^th century. Train service was available from the far eastern town of Pendembu to the capital city, Freetown.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

Alpha Kharmoh | 2023-05-05 08:11:29

It's a laudable venture, we only hope these same politicians will not bastardize the promising venture.
Isaac Margai | 2023-05-03 19:50:19

I pray let it happen but, please let us don't turn it into a politic development plan. Let us be as one and strive for it to be done.
Smith | 2023-05-03 18:33:57

My niece communicated with me that there’s no free education. She pays from her own pocket. If she’s accurate, that’s empty promise, by the current admin. Promises made, promises unkept doesn’t encourage. She stated no vote for the present party, or any party, including her household. That’s minus five, excluding their clan who are numerous, ,for the vote needed, due to the fact that, every vote counts.
Patrick Rogers | 2023-05-03 17:21:54

With God, all things are possible. We just have to trust God, and continue praying to God. Love, mama Salone.
Samuel Aiah Gbandeh | 2023-05-03 14:42:33

It's a milestone for our Mama Salone🇸🇱🇸🇱🇸🇱 I pray it will come to pass pray 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Foday Kanu | 2023-05-03 12:49:05

It’s a good progress to our beloved country to have a train back.
Abubakarr mustapha Bainda | 2023-05-03 12:16:29

It's a significant score for the introduction of passenger train in our country sierra Leone.we should stop playing bad politics for the development of our country. It's the only country we have in the world,we are in huge percentage than the bad politicians.