By By Sallieu S. Kanu
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, October 13, 2026: A special monitoring exercise by the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has revealed mixed progress across four donor-funded education infrastructure projects, with significant delays recorded at Magburaka Boys High School despite substantial progress at other project sites.
The inspection, authorized by the Ministry of Finance and led by NPPA Director of Engineering, Engineer Sheku Lieed Sheriff, assessed implementation progress, construction quality, compliance with technical standards and the likelihood of meeting the December 2026 completion deadline.
The monitoring team visited Bunumbu Teachers College, Government Secondary School in Kenema, Government Secondary School in Bo, and Magburaka Boys High School, focusing on construction quality, workforce deployment, site security, environmental health and safety standards, and challenges affecting project delivery.
Bunumbu Teachers College Nears Completion
At Bunumbu Teachers College, the monitoring team found the project to be approximately 85 percent complete. The project involves the rehabilitation of 33 buildings and the construction of 34 new structures.
Contractors reported that only two of the newly constructed buildings remain unroofed. However, inspectors noted that rehabilitation works had not yet been fully completed in line with project specifications.
The NPPA identified inadequate workforce deployment as a major concern and warned that accelerated effort would be required to meet the December deadline. Contractors also cited challenges in sourcing skilled labour and reported recurrent theft of installed windows, tiles and other construction materials.
The Authority recommended increased labour deployment, improved site security, enforcement of safety standards and the clearing of overgrown vegetation around construction areas. Despite the challenges, NPPA officials concluded that the project could still be completed by December if outstanding works are expedited.
Rehabilitated Facilities Occupied in Kenema
At Government Secondary School in Kenema, the team observed that rehabilitated classrooms and dormitories had been completed and were already occupied by students.
The project, funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), also includes the construction of eight new buildings. However, inspectors noted that some works remain outstanding and expressed concern over the absence of the quality-control consultant during the visit.
The NPPA urged the contractor to accelerate implementation and strengthen coordination with the consultant to ensure timely completion.
Bo Project Records Strong Progress
At Government Secondary School in Bo, inspectors found the project to be more advanced than its counterpart in Kenema.
Completed dormitories were already occupied by students, while the overall quality of work was rated satisfactory and consistent with project expectations.
The NPPA commended the progress made at the site but encouraged the contractor to maintain momentum while addressing outstanding works in Kenema.
Magburaka Project Faces Major Setbacks
The most concerning findings emerged from Magburaka Boys High School, where the project was found to be significantly behind schedule.
The school project comprises the rehabilitation of 39 buildings, construction of nine new structures and installation of a water supply system supported by three boreholes.
According to the monitoring team, rehabilitation works are only 10 percent complete, while new construction stands at about 60 percent completion.
Inspectors estimated that at least six additional months would be required to complete the project, even as concerns persist over inadequate workforce deployment and persistent theft of construction materials.
Site engineers attributed some delays to shortcomings in the initial project design process, alleging that the consultant prepared the Bill of Quantities without conducting a prior site assessment, resulting in additional works, contract variations and a subsequent addendum.
Although originally scheduled for completion within one year, the project has now stretched to nearly three years.
The school principal expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, while NPPA officials called for an immediate increase in workforce levels, enhanced site security and faster implementation.
NPPA Calls for Urgent Action
The Authority said the monitoring exercise highlighted the critical importance of effective contract management, adequate workforce deployment, quality assurance and site security in the successful delivery of public infrastructure projects.
With the December 2026 completion deadline fast approaching, the NPPA has urged contractors and consultants to address identified shortcomings and intensify efforts to ensure projects are completed to the required standards.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to monitoring public procurement contracts to promote accountability, contractual compliance and value for money in public investments.
“The findings underscore the need for stronger project management and timely execution to ensure students, teachers and communities benefit from improved educational infrastructure,” the NPPA stated.