By Alimatu Jalloh
In a bold step toward resolving Sierra Leone’s housing crisis, the Sierra Leone Housing Corporation (SALHOC) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Groupe Banga, a Pan-African real estate and infrastructure development firm. The agreement aims to fast-track the delivery of 5,000 affordable housing units during a pilot phase, with the potential for broader collaboration to meet urgent housing demands across the country.
The signing ceremony was preceded by high-level meetings between Groupe Banga’s Vice President, Mr. Sow Taguiyoulaye dit Yero—representing the company’s CEO—and senior government officials, including the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, and Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh. Both ministers expressed strong support for the initiative, which they described as timely and aligned with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2023–2028).
Strategic Blueprint for Development
SALHOC General Manager, Mr. Joseph Munda Sandi, called the MoU a “major step toward achieving our national development targets and improving the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.” He emphasized that the agreement is a milestone in strengthening public-private collaboration. The MoU outlines critical areas of cooperation, including:
– Provision of land with clear, undisputed legal titles by SALHOC
– Regulatory support for permits and approvals
– Full financing to be mobilized by Groupe Banga
– Turnkey construction and delivery of affordable, high-quality homes
– Collaboration with local financial institutions to boost homeownership
Mr. Taguiyoulaye dit Yero reiterated Groupe Banga’s dedication to delivering transformative housing solutions tailored to Sierra Leone’s needs. He noted that the firm brings a wealth of experience in sustainable development across West Africa.
The MoU, valid for one year, will pave the way for a detailed Concession Contract outlining implementation timelines, profit-sharing frameworks, and performance indicators. It also includes clauses for dispute resolution, confidentiality, and force majeure, with a provision for termination if project work does not commence within six months.
The partnership marks a significant boost for the government’s housing agenda and reaffirms SALHOC’s vital role in advancing inclusive development through strategic collaborations.