The Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Sadiq Sillah has said in Freetown that government is working hard to make Lungi an economic free zone. He said it is also one of the strategies to decongest Freetown.

He made the statement during the pre-legislative meeting with Members of Parliament on the Lungi terminal agreement in Parliament Building Committee Room 1.

He said the agreement seeks to address the safety and accessibility to the airport.

He said the expansion of the terminal will attract high volume of aircrafts, adding that the airport has never gone beyond 18.6% in terms of safety.

He said when the terminal is completed the Lungi International airport will be the shortest distance to fly to South America and China.

He noted that Lungi is up to international standard in terms of the run way. He said the bill of quantity is going to be based on free balance sheet.

In his contribution, Hon. Abdul Kargbo from Lungi thanked President Bio for choosing his constituency. He said as MPs their interest is the concern of the people, adding that they want to know the details of the agreement particularly the model of Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He urged the authorities to ensure his constituents benefit from the agreement in terms of job creations and corporate social responsibility.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor M. Bah said value for money is their major concern, adding that they want to know the distinction between the new airport and the terminal. He said they want to know the distinction between BOQ, PPP and loan of the agreement.

He added that they must know the responsibility of the state in the agreement, stressing that the problem most travellers are facing is access.

Hon. Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie explained that the reason for the agreement is for MPs to interact with the professionals of the project before it’s brought in the Well for ratification.

He said they need to understand the benefits and details of the agreement before going to the Well for debate.

He disclosed that MPs were not part of signing of the Agreements, as stipulated in the 1991 Constitution. He accused the government of signing the agreement before sending to Parliament.