The Director of Infrastructure at the semi-autonomous National Monitoring and Evaluation Agency (NaMEA), Engineer Horatio Max Gorvie, has informed the media that the $68 million Education Sector Support Project (ESSP), funded by three international donors, has experienced delays due to the bureaucratic processes involved in implementing multi-donor projects.
The project involves the rehabilitation and construction of facilities in two tertiary institutions and four secondary schools across Sierra Leone. Mr. Gorvie explained the scope of work under different lots:
- Lot 1 – ETU (Bunumbu Campus): 60 units (39 new, 21 rehabilitated)
- Lot 2 – Kenema Secondary School: 35 units (11 new, 24 rehabilitated)
- Lot 2 – Bo School: 37 units (10 new, 27 rehabilitated)
- Lot 3 – Magburaka Boys: 49 units (7 new, 42 rehabilitated)
- Lot 4 – Prince of Wales: 18 units (8 new, 10 rehabilitated)
- Lot 4 – Brookfields: 12 units (5 new, 7 rehabilitated)
- Lot 4 – MMTU Congo Cross: 23 units (2 new, 21 rehabilitated)
- Lot 4 – MTHE & MBSSE, New England: One 10-storey administrative building (new)
- Lot 5 – MMTU Goderich: 63 units (11 new, 52 rehabilitated)
Despite the delays, Mr. Gorvie assured the public that NaMEA continues to work with all stakeholders to ensure the project is completed satisfactorily. Project beneficiaries include Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) in Freetown, Eastern Technical University (ETU, Bunumbu Campus), and government secondary schools in Bo, Kenema, Magburaka, and Freetown (Prince of Wales).
He attributed the slow progress to the complexity of multilateral funding procedures, the involvement of multiple contractors, logistical challenges, fund disbursement issues, the geographical spread of project sites, and the rainy season. However, he emphasized that some contractors have already completed 50–70% of their assigned work, and the entire project is now slated for completion by June 2026.
Mr. Gorvie also noted that the ESSP involves five lots managed by two sets of consultants, and includes the rehabilitation of hotels, lecture rooms, and staff quarters at MMTU, which were initially expected to be completed by June 2025. Due to implementation challenges, the donors have agreed to increase funding by $1 million to address road access issues to the Bunumbu Campus, with critical road repairs to be undertaken.
The project funding breakdown includes:
- $25 million from the Saudi Fund
- $20 million from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)
- $20 million from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID)
- $3 million counterpart funding from the Government of Sierra Leone
As part of the broader project, a 10-storey multi-purpose building is also under construction for the Ministries of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Technical and Higher Education at New England Ville, Freetown.
Speaking on behalf of the students, MMTU Federal Students’ Union President, James French, expressed frustration over the delays and poor quality of work. He stated that only 30% of the work is completed and that students face severe constraints accessing quality education. He also alleged that students have helped with construction work but received no satisfactory response from the contractors or the Ministry.
Mr. French further claimed that construction has stalled for five months, and substandard materials have been used in key buildings such as the Femi Taylor Hotel, clinic, and canteen. According to him, roofs, iron rods, tiles, and PVC materials have been damaged or blown off, electrical installations are faulty, and there is a fire risk. He added that all furniture has been removed, lights are not functioning, and staff quarters are abandoned and overgrown. He also alleged poor supervision and material theft by workers.
The project is being implemented by several contractors, including David Walter Sierra Leone Limited, EBCO Biter, and Harris Construction.
Mr. Gorvie concluded by reaffirming NaMEA’s commitment to partner with all stakeholders to ensure the project is completed on time and to the satisfaction of all.
