By Idrissa Bangura

The newly appointed Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barley and ECOWAS Resident Representative Ambassador Haroun Moussa, have assessed ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi.

They made this visit on 16th August, 2023.  The assessment was made as part of the ongoing development on the work which is expected to meet November 30th, 2023 deadline.

Sierra Leone, Lungi Depot is one of the two recognized ECOWAS military facilities in the sub region, with the other located in Mali.

The main aim of these facilities is to foster regional security, stability and response capabilities should crises or conflicts occur within the region.

Comprehensive inspection and assessment of sites one and two by were made by SOGEFEL construction and BANCA consultant.

The resident commandants supported this assessment led by col. Dr. Bala Mohamed and his deputy Lieut. Col. Abu Bakarr Konneh , with the aim of identifying progress, challenges, and necessary actions in order to meet the deadline set.

In following the assessment , a day briefing session  was chaired by col. Dr.Bala Mohamed and in that session the minister was zoomed in and was congratulated on her new assignment as a minister after the June 24 Multi-tier elections in Sierra Leone.

Madam Barley emphasized the importance of the project in enhancing regional capabilities among member states.

The Resident Commandant , col. Dr.Bala Mohamed, acknowledged the project’s progression, which is going through phase 2 and 3 , giving appreciation for the government continued support.

Dr Bala acknowledged the enhancement, competence and capability within MOPED through the appointment of minister Barley.

He continued by pouring out praises on the contractors and consulting firms for their note-worthy efforts.

He acknowledged the drawbacks and challenges especially in the completion of the project while concerns were also raised about the readiness of members like ESF awaiting deployment at the port.

Representatives from both consulting firms presented the project’s current status, noting that 93.71 % is on completion, despite the odds and drawbacks faced to reach such a peak on the project.

Minster Kenyeh Barley was assured that the project would be completed by the deadline set.

She pointed out the remaining workload like drainage and road way construction within the project areas, but said, other elements on the construction were addressed.

Head of ECOWAS National Office, Sierra Leone Sumanu O.Z Alghali, expressed urgency in using the facility but citing disappointment over the delays.

He echoed for a speedy pace to be done while praising the team’s efforts.

Development Secretary at MOPED, commended the efforts of the contractors but expressed concerns on them increasing agility in meeting deadline.

He also emphasized the matter of additional land that is to be transferred to the Commission, but emphasizing a proper settlement of current structures be put in place before the handing over.

He assured of an additional workforce to be enforced in order to overcome weather challenges.

ECOWAS Resident Representative, Ambassador Harouna Moussa, congratulated the minister and advised her to do weekly follow-ups in order to curtail delays.

He drew the Commission’s president expectation of the ongoing depot construction by heads of state on their next session.

Minister Barley who serves as a representative of the president and the peoples of Sierra Leone showered praises to ECOWAS for undertaking such a significant regional project.

She further said the project is in alignment with the government big-five priorities agenda and emphasized on incorporating an agricultural component which is equal to the mail depot.

She assured her commitment to include other ministers who’re involved in the project, and encouraged especially the minister of lands to give his useful support.