By Ragan M. Conteh

The deputy opposition leader in Parliament, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma of Tonkolili District (APC) has described the proposed new tollgate road deal as “the most expensive road this country will ever construct,” with an estimated cost of $4.5 million per kilometre well above regional averages.

The agreement is related to the reconstruction of the Mano Junction via Tongo to Bumpeh Road was tabled in Parliament on Monday 11th August, 2025 for the consideration of the House.

He warned that the agreement gives investors full control over the toll revenues until their loan is repaid, with government only entitled to 10% thereafter, despite contributing 50% of the financing.

Calling this “injustice” for our economy, Hon. Koroma urged an addendum to the deal to include revenue-sharing, a review of project costs, and a reduction in the number of toll gates to ease the burden on rural residents.

The Parliament has been sharply divided over the government’s proposed $155 million road construction agreement, with members from both the opposition and ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) supporting the need for the project but calling for significant changes in the agreement to ensure it delivers fair benefits to the state and the people.

The agreement, presented by the Minister of Works and Public Assets, Denis Sandi covers the construction of a 34-kilometer stretch of road, including a bridge, with four toll gates planned along the route.

While MPs agreed that the road is vital for economic growth and regional connectivity, concerns centred on its high cost, toll arrangements and the absence of clear revenue-sharing provisions.

Hon. Musa Fofanah, second-term SLPP MP for Kono District, welcomed the agreement but insisted MPs must be involved from the planning stage. “We know these roads better than anyone else,” he said, warning that parliamentarians—who will face voters—must be able to explain the project details to their communities.

Similarly, Hon. William Lamin, also a second-term SLPP MP for Bo District, defended the deal’s structure, pointing out that $4.3 million has been earmarked for corporate social responsibility, including schools, health centres, and markets. However, he cautioned colleagues against exceeding their constitutional roles in project execution, urging them to assess the agreement within West African and Mano River Union standards rather than Chinese benchmarks.

Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawally, third-term APC MP for Bombali District and Deputy Chief Whip of the opposition, called for the Legislative Committee to be directly involved in drafting such agreements to avoid late-stage disputes. She supported the idea of an addendum but demanded it explicitly address toll charges, profit-sharing, and corporate social responsibility, warning that many citizens already struggle with existing tolls.

In response, Minister of Works and Public Assets Dr. Denis Sandi promised that MPs’ concerns would be incorporated into a final document “that will stand the test of time,” ensuring that “our children yet unborn will benefit from this all-important project.” He assured lawmakers that the legislative committee would work closely with his ministry to safeguard national interests.

While there is broad consensus on the road’s importance for trade, connectivity, and rural development, the parliamentary debate has underscored deep divisions over how the deal should be structured. With opposition and ruling party MPs alike demanding clearer benefit-sharing mechanisms, stronger corporate responsibility commitments, and reduced financial strain on communities, the government faces mounting pressure to renegotiate terms before the agreement is finalised.