On Thursday, the ECOWAS National Office at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, along with H. E Amb. Harouna MOUSSA, the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Sierra Leone, Representative from the Works Ministry, conducted an inspection tour to ascertain the level of work done by SOGEFEL Construction firm and BANCA Consulting firm at the construction sites of the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot.

The depot is being constructed to serve as a Logistics Base for Peace Support Operations, hosting the ECOWAS Standby Forces (ESF) from the West African regional block.

A joint inspection and assessment tour was conducted on the two sites, led by the two firms with support from the resident Commandant, Col. Dr. Bala Mohamed, and Lieut. A. B. Konneh.

During the debriefing meeting held after the inspection, Col. Dr. Bala Mohamed, as the chairman, officially welcomed the Ambassador and representatives of the ECOWAS National Office. He congratulated the People of the Republic of Sierra Leone for successfully conducting free and peaceful elections.

He mentioned that the project is currently in phases 2 and 3 and expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to supporting this project. He also applauded the contractor and consulting firm for their impressive work.

Col. Dr. Bala Mohamed pointed out that a few shifts have been made regarding the project completion but highlighted some challenges that are now being overcome. He raised concerns about the delay in complementing the project, stating that the issue took center stage in recent meetings of the Commission, as 5,000 ESF members are already prepared to take up duties at the said depot.

Representatives of the SOGEFEL contractor and BANCA Consulting firm presented the status of the project, highlighting the progress made so far. They stated that 92.39% progress has been achieved, despite encountering a few challenges as contractors.

They assured me that the entire project will be completed and handed over by November 2023. The remaining work mainly involves constructing drainages, and roadways within the project areas, and addressing a few areas on the structures.

Sumanu O. Z. Alghali, Head of ECOWAS National Office, introduced Madam Laygbay Lillian Amadu as the New Desk Officer. He expressed dismay over the delay in completing this regional project and reiterated concerns raised in most ECOWAS meetings regarding the completion delay when the Commission has completed its side of the contract.

Mr. Alghali emphasized the importance of proper records management, effective monitoring, and follow-ups. While commending the team for their impressive work, he encouraged them to speed up to meet the new agreed deadline.

Madam Laygbay Lillian Amadu, the In-Coming ECOWAS Desk Officer at the Sierra Leone National Office, thanked the Head of the National Office for the introduction and expressed gratitude to the team present. She emphasized her commitment and passion in achieving the office’s strategic goals.

She called on members present to provide the necessary support needed to perform her duties effectively. She also stressed the importance of the project to H. E. the President of Sierra Leone and ECOWAS’ commitment, appealing to the team to expedite the process to completion.

Monica Kargbo, Assistant Director, Ministry of Works and Public Asset, commended the contractors for their impressive work while cautioning them to be aware of the usual weather conditions in August as per their work schedule. She suggested that increasing their workforce might help to swiftly meet weather challenges.

Lieutenant A. B. Konneh, RSLAF, thanked the ministry and Ambassador for the visit. He called on the National Office to reactivate the National Project Coordinating Committee and related sectors to provide supervisory roles and support to achieve significant progress on the project. He expressed concerns about the delay in complementing the building permit documentation by the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Country Planning, urging the National Office to liaise with the appropriate authority to complete that process.

Ambassador Harouna Moussa, ECOWAS Resident Representative, expressed appreciation for the national office’s initiatives. He viewed them as the right step in the right direction, considering the eminent delays in completing the project within the initial speculated period. He urged the SOGEFEL Contractor and BANCA Consulting firm to step up their work to complete the project within the new agreed deadline.

He emphasized the importance of working in harmony and liaising with the ministry to address challenges from various sectors. He also stressed the significance of proper records management and due process, noting the mounting pressure for project completion and the constant flag raising of the issue from the Commission.