Sierra Leone Government Reportedly Negotiating $1.5 Billion Loan With China For Lungi Bridge

Speculations are rife regarding the alleged secret negotiations between the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government and the Chinese Government for a substantial $1.5 billion loan earmarked for the construction of the much-anticipated Lungi Bridge.

Gleaner Newspaper reports suggest that the Chinese side is actively engaged in these discussions, prompting increased interest and scrutiny.

While the details surrounding this purported loan agreement remain shrouded in secrecy, concerns are mounting about the potential implications of such a significant financial commitment, as well as the terms and conditions that may be attached to the loan.

Critics of the SLPP Government are demanding transparency in the negotiation process, calling for clarity on the terms of the loan, the expected timeline for the construction of the Lungi Bridge, and its potential economic and geopolitical consequences.

The Lungi Bridge is a proposed 7km bridge that will link the Lungi area, home to Freetown International Airport, to the capital city of Freetown. The bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs between the two locations, and to boost economic activity in Sierra Leone.

However, the project has also been met with skepticism by some, who have raised concerns about its environmental impact, its financial feasibility, and its potential to increase Sierra Leone’s reliance on China.

As of now, neither the Sierra Leonean nor Chinese governments have officially confirmed the alleged loan agreement. However, the rumors have persisted, and the public and international observers are eagerly awaiting further information and insight into what could be a transformative project for Sierra Leone.

It is important to note that the construction of the Lungi Bridge is a complex and ambitious project, and any loan agreement with the Chinese Government would need to be carefully negotiated to ensure that it is in the best interests of Sierra Leone. The government should also be transparent with the public about the terms of the loan and the potential implications of the project.

Comment(s)

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

| 2023-10-23 11:24:49

What happens if in future Sierra Leone defaults on this loan? Sierra Leone Governments - APC & SLPP & PAOPA-SLPP - notoriously default continually on fuel etc. bills for national electricity generation and supplies; Sierra Leone has a history of poor and low maintenance with allied maintenance management, e.g. the collapse of The Savage Street Bridge linking St. Johns at one end of Campbell Street with Brookfields, King Tom + Falcon Bridge + electricity power stations in Freetown! I prioritise electricity and public hygiene for all in Sierra Leone over and above any Freetown to Lungi Bridge. Seton During.
A Sanusie | 2023-10-20 21:03:00

So wait, a three hundred million dollar loan for a new airport was too much and irresponsible, but now he wants to borrow 1.5 billion? We need a bridge, but the nation's finances are a mess, we can't do it now
| 2023-10-20 20:35:22

We pray that it happens
| 2023-10-20 14:48:36

May continue to direct and bless our president through his good plan for mama salone.
| 2023-10-20 14:22:33

Hope to see the manifesto come to pass Amen🙏
| 2023-10-20 12:08:06

That's not a good idea, u are taking loan to build the bridge we don't need that at this moment, sometimes one need to study the system and bring what is needed, that money could be enough to inject into another areas like the agriculture sector, technology, electricity, new Brown airport and importation of rice and sudsidies some essential commodities and services, as a away of helping the people.
SONISH of Liverpool | 2023-10-20 11:12:58

The bridge should write the money spent on it because I know $1.9 billion is a huge some of money so it should show on the infrastructure and how grantee it is
| 2023-10-20 10:57:55

Actually it's a viable deal,the bridge shall serve as link to expand our capital city to modern city. Just like Accra kotoka international airport,oh my goodness,that particular environment where it's been placed has so much to praise, whilst freetown international airport has nothing to count at. Please papa government negotiate wisely to have this deal sign. Those who have travelled shall be testament to what I am saying. I believed, the unavailability of space in freetown environment has destroyed the beauty of our city. The rules are not follows, simply because,everyone wants to be within the tide freetown setting, that's why government is unable to control citizens where not to build. If our city remains this way without thinking appropriately,our future generations are going to blame us very seriously. Beautification has so much attraction to foreign people's around the globe.
Kaizer | 2023-10-20 10:46:48

Both the Government of Sierra Leone and China are only engaging to see possibilities and there is no way the negotiation remains a secret because it will come before the House of Parliament and when negotiated payment will be flexible. Let's look more at the economic growth impact and leave this Crab mentality criticism.
Lawal | 2023-10-20 10:44:54

What has happened with the last negotiation with the AfDB, just few weeks ago? I always have a mixed feelings with these Chinese loans. They can peg your country's asset(s) to their loan and if any default, your country is in deep shit. Anyway, rumour is rumour. Until then, I rest my case.
| 2023-10-20 09:39:21

We wish for that to happen
A Wise | 2023-10-20 09:29:42

Oh accept this goodness for us
Mohamed Kanu | 2023-10-20 09:25:07

That's awesome
| 2023-10-20 09:22:41

I'm very optimistic to see it happens
| 2023-10-20 09:13:55

We all praying 🙏 for it to happen but let the agreement be transparent to all Sierra Leonean and with a minimum terms of completion of the project
| 2023-10-20 09:00:02

We pray that Allah will make it work