The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has awarded a significant contract to Pavi Fort Construction Company for the construction of the Tikonko-Kpetema Mattru Jong Road Lot 2. The project, which is set to span 38.1 kilometers, aims to enhance the movement of agricultural produce and foster economic growth in the region.

The construction is expected to be completed within 24 months. Cost of the project is Twenty-Four Million, One Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Seven United States Dollars, Thirty-Three Cents.

The official signing ceremony took place on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the SLRA headquarters, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s infrastructure development. Present were key figures, including the Management of SLRA, the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy, a representative from the Ministry of Finance, the Chief Executive Officer /Chairman of Pavi Fort Associates, Alimu Sanu Barrie and team.

Pavi Fort, a company with over 25 years of experience in large-scale development projects, is recognized for its commitment to quality, health, safety, and environmental standards. The company assured the Government of its dedication to timely and high-standard work.

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The Tikonko-Kpetema Mattru Jong Road Project, financed by a loan from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), is part of the Government of Sierra Leone’s initiative to enhance the transport sector. The project is set to significantly improve the national and local road network, fostering economic development in the southern region.

The scope of work includes upgrading the road to an asphaltic paved condition with a carriageway width of 7.3 meters and 1.5-meter shoulders. The project will also involve constructing culverts, drainage structures, and sidewalks, with designs supporting speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, reducing to 50 kilometers in certain areas.

Deputy Director General of SLRA, Ing. Vandy French, highlighted the importance of the project, noting the extensive efforts invested in its planning. He emphasized the significance of connecting all district headquarters, with Mattru serving as a crucial link despite not being a headquarter town.

A representative from the Ministry of Finance underscored the project’s socio-economic importance, linking three districts: Bo, Pujehun, and Bonthe. He highlighted major Government projects along the road corridor, such as the Mattru Oil Palm Project, stressing the road’s role in deriving value from these investments.

A member of the Board of Directors expressed thanks to President Julius Maada Bio for the support that he has been giving to enhance the road network. He said well constructed roads are very important to development saying without roads we cannot talk of any development. The Board member thanked the President and SLRA Management especially the Procurement Unit for their efforts in ensuring that the project comes to fruition. He congratulated the successful winner reminding the company that the road is very important to the economy as it connects most of the fishing industries. “Whatever challenge you face please contact the relevant stakeholders in order to meet the deadline,” he admonished.

SLRA Director General, Ing. Alfred Jamil Momodu reiterated the project’s alignment with the Government’s strategic goals, particularly in infrastructure, enhancing the delivery of healthcare, education, and supporting mining, farming and fishing activities in the region. He acknowledged the financial support from the African Bank for Economic Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa and the Government of Sierra Leone.

On behalf of Pavi Fort Associates, Director of Operations Jowel Bernard Lawson expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them by the Government and SLRA. He assured that Pavi Fort is committed to supporting local partners and adhering to Government guidelines, highlighting their readiness and capacity to execute the project efficiently.

Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandy, stressed the urgency and historical significance of the project, noting its critical role in the Government’s broader development agenda. He called for increased commitment from the contractor, emphasizing collective effort to achieve the desired outcomes.

The signing of the contract between SLRA and Pavi Fort Associates marks a pivotal step in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development, promising significant benefits for the region’s economic and social landscape.

Despite recent criticisms, Pavi Fort remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering quality work, undeterred by unfounded allegations. CEO Alhaji Alimu Barrie affirmed that no amount of blackmail would distract them from their mission of contributing to Sierra Leone’s development.