In a significant step toward improving local infrastructure, the Port Loko District Council has initiated construction and reconstruction projects valued in the billions of Leones. These projects are part of the World Bank-funded Accountable Governance for Basic Services Project and will address critical needs in underserved communities.
The council’s Chief Administrator, Arthur Allieu, shared that the process is advancing to the bid evaluation stage following a bid opening ceremony earlier this week. The event, held at one of the council’s conference halls, saw the participation of key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and civil society groups. Allieu emphasized that their presence underscored the process’s transparency and accountability.
The three main projects in this second phase have been estimated to cost billions of Leones. The reconstruction of the community health post in Mapawn, Maforki Chiefdom, i
s expected to cost around 2 billion Leones, reflecting its importance in providing healthcare services to a rural population. Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of the community centre at Masiola in Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom and the construction of a primary school in Rogbalan, Marampa Chiefdom, are estimated at 1.5 billion Leones each.
“The projects will bring essential services to communities that need them the most,” Allieu noted. A three-bedroom staff quarters will also be added to the Mapawn health post, while the Rogbalan school will be equipped with water, sanitation facilities, and solar lighting. In addition, each of these structures will be furnished with locally fabricated furniture, further supporting the community.
These projects are not just about construction; they reflect a comprehensive approach to community development. According to Allieu, the process began with a joint Environmental Impact Assessment focused on identifying and responding to the people’s most pressing needs. Out of seven potential
projects, these three were selected as top priorities based on community input.
The NPPA, ACC, and civil society representatives echoed Allieu’s message of integrity in the bidding process, urging contractors to maintain high standards in delivering these World Bank-funded projects. Local contractors, in turn, expressed confidence in the fairness of the process, believing that contracts would be awarded based on merit.
This initiative marks another chapter in the Port Loko District Council’s ongoing efforts to foster regional development. The council recently refurbished its headquarters in Port Loko City and completed over a dozen projects in remote communities, reaffirming its commitment to improving living conditions for all.
Masiola, Mapawn, and Rogbalan residents are eager to see the long-awaited upgrades that will benefit their communities as these new projects progress.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency
