Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the construction of the Lungi Bridge, a flagship project envisioned by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to connect Freetown and Lungi.
Speaking to newsmen, Bawoh emphasized that the bridge remains a priority for the President, with ongoing discussions exploring its feasibility with potential investors.
The Sierra Leonean government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Road and Bridge Corporation and the architectural firm Atépa Group to move forward with the project.
The MoU, signed in Freetown, marks a major milestone in the country’s infrastructure ambitions.
The proposed 8-kilometer bridge, estimated to cost $1.5 billion, is a critical component of President Bio’s “Big 5” agenda, which aims to enhance Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and technology sectors.
The bridge will link Freetown with the Lungi airport hub, greatly improving transportation for both local and international travelers. This initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth and align with the recent opening of the ultramodern Lungi International Airport, inaugurated on March 3, 2023, at a cost of $270 million.
China Road and Bridge Corporation, one of the world’s leading engineering firms and ranked 61st among Fortune 500 companies, has extensive experience with large-scale infrastructure projects across multiple continents.
The Atépa Group, renowned for its iconic architectural works, has designed prominent landmarks including the Banjul Airport in Gambia and the Monument of the Renaissance in Dakar, Senegal.
A feasibility study for the Freetown-Lungi Bridge is expected to conclude in the coming months, with construction slated to begin in December 2024.
The project is anticipated to take approximately three years to complete, marking a transformative chapter in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development.
