The Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets of Sierra Leone conducted an extensive oversight visit on June 8th and 9th, 2024, to inspect ongoing road construction projects in Kenema and Kabala. Led by Honorable Ing. Habib Fabbah, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, the delegation aimed to evaluate the progress and quality of work undertaken by Pavi Fort AL Associates (SL) Limited, a leading construction company in Sierra Leone.
Hon. Fabbah emphasized that the visit’s primary objective was to assess the project’s adherence to the set timeline and quality standards. He noted that the project is 74% complete, indicating substantial progress. He also addressed potential legal challenges, particularly concerning compensation for affected properties, assuring that the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and Pavi Fort are actively resolving these issues. In his remarks, Hon. Fabbah highlighted the importance of ensuring visible progress and adherence to the project timeline. He mentioned that both SLRA and the Work Committee’s engineers are involved in overseeing the project, expressing confidence in the quality of the construction, noting that the work is visibly satisfactory even without sophisticated tests. He concluded by affirming that the visible progress and quality inspections ensure the project is on the right track.
Alimu Sanu Barrie, Chairman and CEO of Pavi Fort, provided updates on the project, initially planned for 25 kilometers with a 5-kilometer extension. He reported that 20 kilometers have been completed and the project is on track for a December 2024 completion. Barrie cited previous successful projects, such as the Kabala Township Road, to highlight their commitment to quality. He also addressed the challenges faced during construction, including initial delays due to the lack of a suitable quarry, which delayed the project by about a year. However, once a suitable quarry was found, the project gained momentum. He praised President Julius Maada Bio and the Government for their support and emphasized the role of strategic planning to mitigate weather-related challenges. Barrie stated that the road construction project has created over 600 direct jobs for Sierra Leoneans, with additional employment through subcontractors. He highlighted the company’s focus on knowledge transfer by pairing local graduates with expatriates, enhancing local expertise. He also mentioned efforts to resolve community concerns, particularly regarding compensation for affected residents. According to him, a recent meeting with Parliamentarians resulted in a settlement plan to include compensation in their payment processes, ensuring timely and equitable solutions.
Honorable Daniel B. Koroma, a member of the Committee who also serves as the Deputy Minority Leader 1 in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, underscored the Committee’s role in ensuring compliance with project requirements, as mandated by the 1991 Constitution. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality observed and reposed confidence in meeting the project timeline despite potential weather-related challenges. The Member of Parliament emphasized the Committee’s strategic planning to prioritize activities less affected by rain, ensuring continued progress.
The Mayor of Kenema City, Thomas Karimu Baio, highlighted their supportive role in supervising the projects from a layperson’s perspective. He acknowledged residents’ concerns about timely payments and resource distribution, advocating for better communication and management to address those issues. The Mayor further noted that while the local Government is involved in overseeing the project, they rely on the technical expertise of engineers to ensure quality work. He also discussed the importance of appointments and potential future visits to ensure that the needs of Kenema’s residents are addressed fairly. Baio stressed the need for better communication and management to address residents’ concerns, suggesting that a more transparent approach could alleviate frustrations.
From Kenema, the Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets moved to Kabala on Sunday, June 9th, 2024,
to assess the road construction project implemented by Pavi Fort Construction Company. After the assessment, the Committee planned to examine the company’s project works in Freetown on Monday, June 10th, 2024.
The visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets underscores a comprehensive effort to ensure quality, timely completion, and community satisfaction in road construction projects. The combined oversight of Parliamentarians, local Government, and active engagement with the community aims to ensure the project’s success, ultimately benefiting the residents of Kenema.
Pavi Fort Construction Company commenced its operations in Kenema on December 19th, 2020, marked by a grand entry with high-standard machinery, warmly welcomed by the residents of Kenema District. Since then, the company has worked diligently to fulfill its commitment to reconstruct township roads in the district. Asphalt Concrete work on township roads in Kenema officially began on January 7th, 2022, commissioned by Mayor Thomas Karimu Baio.
Additionally, on May 19th, 2023, in Dogoloyia Town, Koinadugu district, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio commissioned a 261-kilometer road linking Koinadugu with Falaba and Kono Districts. This project, also constructed by Pavi Fort, aimed to reduce travel time and costs, improve service delivery, and promote the health conditions of residents. Pavi Fort has also implemented the World Bank-funded Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project (IRUMP), enhancing road corridors at Kissy Ferry Junction, Congo Cross Roundabout, and Lumley Roundabout in Freetown. The company has maintained major streets in Freetown and refurbished a hospital in Port Loko handed over to the Government by the UAE, among other projects.
