Freetown, Sierra Leone – A high-level parliamentary delegation, led by Hon. Sallieu Osman Sesay, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, alongside Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, visited the Torma Bum irrigation project in Bonthe District to evaluate progress and address key challenges.
The project, implemented under the Regional Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP) and funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), is crucial to boosting rice production and improving infrastructure in Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security oversees financing, while Pavi Fort Associates, in partnership with Bridge Company for Engineering and Contracting, serves as the primary contractor. Technical supervision is handled by Spectrum Engineering Consultants in joint venture with Design Technology Initiative (SL) Limited.
During the visit on May 3, 2025, Pavi Fort’s Regional Operations Director, Joel Lawson, outlined the company’s efforts, highlighting that Sector 1 is advancing well, with 91% of clearing and grubbing complete, 72.83% canal fill, and 68% of pump station civil works completed. However, progress in Sector 2 remains slow, hindered by right-of-way disputes, design changes, and adverse site conditions.
Despite these obstacles, Pavi Fort has completed nearly $6 million worth of work, though only $3.3 million of the $10.9 million contract has been disbursed. Lawson emphasized that unexpected challenges—such as increased borrow-to-fill costs, adverse weather conditions, and additional structural requirements—have further strained operations.
Additionally, the 17km rural road project undertaken by Pavi Fort has reached advanced stages, with 13.5km cleared and 4.1km of sub-base work completed. However, delays in consultant engagement and design validation have pushed costs from $3.8 million to over $4.2 million.
Hon. Sesay commended Pavi Fort’s commitment, describing the irrigation project as “marvelous” and a testament to Sierra Leonean technical capacity. He pledged parliamentary advocacy to expedite fund disbursement and policy support.
Minister Kpaka reassured stakeholders of government commitment to ensure timely completion. He underscored the strategic importance of Torma Bum within the broader Feed Salone initiative, which aims to strengthen national food security.
As funding delays remain a pressing concern, Parliament and the Ministry are expected to intensify discussions with donor agencies and stakeholders to unlock necessary resources.