Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified two key agreements for the construction and tolling of the Mano Junction–Tongo–Bumpeh road, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing infrastructure push. The decision, made during Wednesday’s parliamentary session, includes critical amendments aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and public benefit.
The 85-kilometre road project will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement through a Design, Finance, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DFBOT) model. The project involves Société Djura Maritel Construction (SDMCO) Ltd and partners, working alongside the Ministry of Works and Public Assets and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).
Presenting the agreements, Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandi, described the initiative as a major boost to national development.
“This is a transformative project that will contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s economic growth,” he said.
Despite general support, the agreements sparked debate, particularly over financial terms and the number of proposed tollgates. Hon. Aaron Koroma, Deputy Opposition Leader (2), voiced concern that although the government is funding 50% of the project, it may not see a proportional return. He also criticized the plan to establish four tollgates in rural areas, calling it an undue burden on local communities.
Several MPs, including Hon. Rugiatu Tarawallie Mussaffa (Kenema District) and Hon. Zainab Catherine Tarawallie (Bombali District), appealed for the number of tollgates to be reduced to two, urging more consideration for the economic impact on residents.
“Four tollgates will be too much for the people. Please reduce it to two,” Hon. Rugiatu Tarawallie pleaded.
Other MPs, such as Hon. Musa Fofanah and Hon. Lolo Tongi, highlighted the need for stronger parliamentary involvement in future infrastructure deals. Lawmakers also questioned aspects of the procurement process and the use of U.S. dollars in domestic agreements.
Acting Opposition Leader Hon. Daniel Koroma criticized procedural lapses in how the agreements were introduced, stressing that proper consultation could have avoided confusion over duration clauses and financial terms.
Defending the agreements, Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina hailed the project as evidence of President Julius Maada Bio’s “talk-and-do” leadership. He said the road project is another step in building a more connected and modern Sierra Leone.
Acting Majority Leader Hon. Bashiru Silikie noted that the terms of this toll agreement are more favourable than previous projects like the Wellington–Masiaka road. He emphasized that Parliament will maintain oversight, and companies involved will be required to undertake corporate social responsibility.
Following a lively debate, Parliament approved the agreements with several key amendments:
• The government will hold a 20% stake in the project and receive 25% of gross revenue.
• A minimum of 15 kilometres must be constructed before toll collection begins.
• Toll fees will be paid in Leones, not U.S. dollars.
• Lawmakers also recommended revisiting the number of tollgates to ease pressure on rural users.
In closing, Speaker of Parliament Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu called for future agreements to be examined clause by clause, emphasizing Parliament’s duty to protect national interests in all public-private partnerships.
“Let us ensure that every agreement going forward is in the best interest of Sierra Leone,” he said.
