In response to recent inaccuracies reported by Africa Confidential regarding the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) Bureh Campus project, Femab Properties Limited has issued a detailed rebuttal to set the record straight.
The contract for the Bureh Campus project, signed on August 2, 2018, was the result of extensive discussions between IPAM/USL and Femab Properties Ltd, with the Sierra Leone government as witness. The agreement, approved by Cabinet and Parliament, outlines a $50 million construction project, with Femab financing the majority.
Key conditions for the contract included an upfront payment of $12.5 million from IPAM and a Sovereign Guarantee from the government to cover the remaining $37 million. Despite progress, the project faced delays primarily due to the government’s failure to provide the required Sovereign Guarantee, hindering Femab’s ability to secure necessary funds.
Construction work officially began on January 24, 2019, following a sod-turning ceremony. Initial work included site preparation and mobilization, with Femab investing significantly in preliminary tasks and materials. Reports and site visits have confirmed that substantial preparatory work was completed, despite the slow pace due to financing issues.
Femab’s efforts, including securing international funding and advancing project preparations, underscore its commitment to the project. Recent meetings and reports have outlined plans to resume construction through a phased approach, which will continue to rely heavily on Femab’s financing.
The rebuttal criticizes Africa Confidential for neglecting ongoing high-level discussions and providing a misleading portrayal of the project’s status. Femab emphasizes that the project remains active and that issues causing delays have been addressed, reaffirming its dedication to the successful completion of the Bureh Campus project.
The IPAM Bureh Town Campus project is expected to offer significant benefits, including improved educational facilities, job creation, and economic growth for Sierra Leone.
