By Fatima Kpaka
Members of Parliament serving on the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Aviation on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, conducted an oversight visit to the ongoing construction of the Gento Seaport at Kent in the Western Rural District to assess progress on the project and its potential impact on Sierra Leone’s port and transportation sector.
Speaking during the visit, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Hindolo Miowo Gevao, said the inspection formed part of Parliament’s constitutional oversight mandate to monitor the implementation of major national projects and ensure they deliver expected benefits.
He described the Gento Seaport as a significant capital investment capable of creating employment opportunities, decongesting the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, reducing traffic congestion in eastern Freetown, and improving maritime transportation in the country.
Hon. Gevao recalled that Parliament had approved the agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Gento Group of Companies, noting that discussions at the time highlighted the project’s potential to address longstanding challenges facing the country’s port infrastructure.
According to him, the completion of the seaport would help minimize delays experienced by vessels and cargo while providing an additional facility to complement operations at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.
The Deputy Chairman further disclosed that the agreement required government support through a grant to facilitate the timely completion of the project. He said the Committee intended to verify whether the support had been provided and, if necessary, engage the government on the importance of releasing the funds.
“We are here today to see firsthand what the Gento Group of Companies has done since the execution of the contract to date,” Hon. Gevao stated.
He noted that the Committee’s observations would be compiled into a report for presentation to Parliament and relevant government institutions for appropriate action.
Hon. Gevao also expressed optimism that the seaport could accelerate the development of the Kent area, transforming it into a vibrant economic hub through increased maritime activities, trade, investment and related commercial opportunities.
Following the inspection, officials of the Gento Seaport management led committee members on a tour of the construction site, highlighting key components of the project and providing updates on the progress achieved so far.
Representing the port’s management, former Member of Parliament Abdul Muniru Lansana said the seaport was designed to complement Sierra Leone’s existing port infrastructure rather than compete with it.
“It is to augment the already existing facility that we have as a country,” Lansana said.
He revealed that construction work was progressing steadily and that the company was targeting the commencement of its first shipment by January.
“What you’re seeing is the work ongoing, and our target is to see how we start our first shipment not later than January,” he stated.
The Gento Seaport project is expected to enhance the country’s maritime capacity, facilitate trade and support economic growth by providing an alternative gateway for cargo handling and vessel operations.