By Desmond Lewis
New England Ville, Freetown — August 19, 2025: A major milestone was reached in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development as the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) signed a landmark works agreement with Djura Maritec Construction Ltd (SDMCO) for the reconstruction of the Mano-Tongo road. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Works conference room in New England Ville, marking the beginning of a transformative project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and boosting economic activity.
Representing the SLRA Director General, Engineer Phoday Kamara emphasized the strategic importance of the 85-kilometer road, which links Kenema to Zimmi and further connects Kenema to Kailahun, Pendembu, Koidu, and the borders of Liberia and Guinea. He revealed that the project will involve full reconstruction into an asphalt pavement, with the addition of three toll plazas equipped with modern rest and service areas. The road will traverse four chiefdoms, extending to Bumpe.
Kamara noted that toll operations will commence after the first 15 kilometers are completed. The road will be operated under a 30-year concession period, during which toll revenues will contribute to loan repayment and maintenance. He highlighted the road’s potential to shorten travel distances between Kono, Kenema, and Kailahun, and to facilitate faster transport of local produce to market centers.
Deputy Director General of SLRA, Mr. Ina French, affirmed the project’s alignment with the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan. He described the initiative as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework comprising three key components: a financing agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the contractor, a concession agreement between the Ministry of Works and the contractor, and the works agreement between SLRA and SDMCO.
“This is a proud moment for SLRA under the supervision of the Ministry of Works,” French stated. “Unlike many of our roads funded solely by donors or government, this toll system will help recoup investment and reinvest in infrastructure.”
SDMCO CEO Mousa Camarra pledged his company’s commitment to delivering the project with the highest standards of quality, safety, and professionalism. “This road is more than infrastructure—it’s a foundation for long-term economic development,” Camarra said. “We will apply modern engineering practices, utilize advanced technology, and engage qualified personnel to ensure timely and efficient delivery.”
Camarra also stressed the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and local communities to foster trust and transparency throughout the project.
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Joseph A. Fatoma confirmed that the works agreement is structured as a 50-50 financial partnership, with the government’s contribution sourced from the national budget. He added that the contractor’s share will be reflected on their financial books, and if no progress is made within six months, the government reserves the right to reassign the contract.
“The beauty of this project,” Fatoma concluded, “is that the government will enjoy thirty years of operation without bearing maintenance costs.”
The Mano Tongo road reconstruction marks a pivotal step toward regional integration, economic empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure development in Sierra Leone.