By Ragan M. Conteh

Lawmakers have unanimously debated and ratified a multi- million dollars’ seaport project to be built by a local firm, Gento Group.

The agreement was approved on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

The concession agreement is between the government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Gento Group of Companies (SL) Limited.

Part of the aggreement is to do a design, financing, construction and operations of the seaport  at the Dublin and Ricket communities of Banana Island.

It also comprises a terminal harbour at Kent village in Freetown.

Hon. Bashiru Silikie, deputy leader of government business, in his debate said that the agreement was  good.

He encouraged the Minister of Transport to  involve more Sierra Leoneans.

“We want to see more of these agreements so that we can have more millionaires,” he said.

He said they are looking forward for agreements that will diversify the blue economy.

He said he was pleased with the Gento’s agreement for supporting the government’s agenda on tourism and investments.

During the debate, Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa cautioned the Bank Governor through the Bank of Sierra Leone to support ‘the big agreement’.

“It’s time to manage the balance of trade, with central bank to grant waivers to commercial banks.”

‘Mr Gento, you have the support of this house, you have shown that Sierra Leoneans can do it,” he stated.

He noted that many taxes will be paid as the agreement seeks tocreate more jobs adding that the ‘banks must provide an affordable interest rates.’

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma deputy leader 2 of the opposition  hails Gento’s Agreement for the advantage it offers to retain one hundred percent of its proceeds not even a thirty percent.

He said the agreement would boost foreign exchange reserves.

Mr. Fanday Turay, Minister of Transport and Aviation presents government motion for the ratification of the Gento Seaport and Harbour Terminal project, costing about $2bn.

Due to the direct landing of ships that normally transit from neighboring countries before coming to Sierra Leone, the Seaport Project would play a pivotal role in the reduction of the price of commodities and thereby positively impacting the cost of living of the citizenry.