The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), the Project Fiduciary Management Unit (PFMU), and the Projects Implementation Unit (PIU), today held a contract signing ceremony for the construction and rehabilitation of Lot 2, which includes Bo School and K School. The event at the Ministry of Finance marked a significant step towards enhancing Sierra Leone’s educational infrastructure.
The project is a key part of the Sierra Leone Education Sector Support Project, which aims to improve learning environments for basic and secondary education. The contract, valued at USD 7,776,601.81, will cover the construction of 15 new classrooms, a physics block, dormitories, staff quarters, and additional facilities at both schools. The contractor, Harris Construction Company, has already commenced preliminary work, including site clearing and material procurement.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Technical and Higher Ed
ucation, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, emphasized the government’s focus on human capital development, particularly education. She highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for primary and higher education. “This project is a priority for the government, as it will enhance the quality of education in both Bo and K schools, which are critical to the nation’s educational landscape,” she said.
Dr Wurie commended the contractor for their professionalism and efficiency in delivering the project, assuring that both ministries will continue engaging in regular technical meetings to monitor and evaluate the project effectively.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Kadiatu Allieu, acknowledged the project’s delays but celebrated the contract’s eventual signing. She thanked President Julius Maada Bio for his intervention, which helped ensure the project’s success, and praised the Ministry of Finance for securing the necessary funding. Allieu also stressed the project’s importance for both schools, describing i
t as a regional investment in human capital development that will benefit future generations.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that this project is completed on time and within budget,” she said, adding that the Ministry will continue to provide the necessary support, including fast-tracking duty waivers for imported materials.
Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education 2, Mamusu Komeh Murana, reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing education in Sierra Leone. Today is an “other milestone in our commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for our children,” she said, adding that the demand for classroom space has surged due to the Free Quality Education initiative.
Murana noted that constructing additional classroom blocks at both Bo School and K School will help address this challenge, creating more student space and improving the overall learning experience. She emphasized that education is the cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s development, and projects like this are c
rucial for ensuring every child has access to quality education.
The project is also expected to significantly impact the local communities in Bo and Kenema. According to Murana, the construction will create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in these areas.
Ing. John Sheriff, Project Manager at Harris Construction Company, expressed excitement about the opportunity to be part of such an important project. “We are committed to delivering this project on time and to the highest standards,” he said, “asking the Government of Sierra Leone to entrust his company with the contract.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency