By Mariama Bundu
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Monday unanimously ratified a series of agreements aimed at boosting the country’s infrastructure, economic development, and social services.
The agreements include a Public-Private Partnership for the construction of the Lungi Hotel Congress Center and Presidential Villa, a $124 million investment with funding through an international bank. Other ratified agreements focus on water security, statistical improvement, road construction, livestock development, and regional transport projects.
Presenting the agreements, Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura said the projects will modernize key facilities, including a presidential villa, hotel, and conference center, while improving water infrastructure with a $40 million initiative.
Hon. Keikura C. Vandy, Chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, urged that the funds be used judiciously and highlighted the importance of livestock development for national economic growth.
Opposition lawmakers raised concerns. Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara emphasized prioritizing basic needs over high-profile projects like the presidential villa, while Hon. Aaron Koroma called for clearer operational details and higher revenue-sharing percentages.
Hon. Sahr Mathew Nyuma, Leader of Government Business, defended the projects, noting the strategic importance of Lungi as a gateway to Sierra Leone and promising continued development in Bonth District.
The Minister of Finance assured Parliament that the government would address concerns raised and consider concessional loans for future projects.
