By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown — Sierra Leone’s Parliament is sharply divided over a proposed $155 million road construction agreement, with lawmakers across party lines calling for major revisions to ensure the project delivers equitable benefits to the state and its citizens.
The agreement, tabled by the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, outlines the construction of a 34-kilometer highway and bridge, including four toll gates. While MPs broadly support the road’s potential to boost economic growth and regional connectivity, concerns have emerged over its cost, toll arrangements, and lack of clear revenue-sharing provisions.
Deputy Opposition Leader II, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma (APC – Tonkolili District), criticized the deal as “the most expensive road this country has ever constructed,” citing a per-kilometer cost of $4.5 million—well above regional norms. He warned that the agreement grants investors full control of toll revenues until their loan is repaid, with the government receiving only 10% thereafter, despite contributing half of the project’s financing.
“This is an injustice to our economy,” Koroma said, urging the inclusion of an addendum to revise project costs, reduce toll gates, and establish a fair revenue-sharing model.
Hon. Musa Fofanah (SLPP – Kono District) welcomed the project but stressed the need for parliamentary involvement from the planning stage. “We know these roads better than anyone else,” he said, adding that MPs must be equipped to explain the project to their constituents.
Hon. William Lamin (SLPP – Bo District) defended the deal’s structure, noting that $4.3 million has been allocated for corporate social responsibility initiatives, including schools, health centers, and markets. However, he cautioned against MPs overstepping their constitutional roles and urged them to assess the agreement using West African and Mano River Union standards, rather than Chinese benchmarks.
Deputy Chief Whip of the Opposition, Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawally (APC – Bombali District), called for the Legislative Committee to be directly involved in drafting such agreements to prevent late-stage disputes. She supported the proposed addendum but insisted it must explicitly address toll charges, profit-sharing, and corporate responsibility, warning that many citizens already struggle with existing tolls.
Minister of Works and Public Assets, Dr. Denis Sandi, assured lawmakers that their concerns would be reflected in a revised agreement. “We will produce a document that will stand the test of time,” he said, promising that future generations would benefit from the project. He also confirmed that the Legislative Committee would collaborate closely with his ministry to protect national interests.
While there is broad consensus on the road’s strategic importance for trade and development, the debate has exposed deep divisions over its financial and social implications. With MPs from both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) demanding clearer benefit-sharing mechanisms and reduced burdens on communities, the government faces growing pressure to renegotiate the deal before final approval.