Lungi, Sierra Leone, August 25, 2024 – The Sierra Leone Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, alongside key members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Planning and Economic Development, led by Hon. Peter Yamba, and the ECOWAS Resident Representative, Ambassador Haroun Moussa, convened a critical meeting with local stakeholders at the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi on Friday 23rd August, 2024.

The discussions centered around the formalization of the acquisition of additional land to support the expansion of the depot towards the seafront.

The high-level meeting, held at the Conference Hall in Phase I of the nearly completed depot, brought together key figures from the Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, local authorities, and members of the community. The discussions highlighted the importance of securing additional land to complete Phase II of the project, which is crucial for the depot’s operational efficiency and strategic positioning.

Minister Barlay, who led the delegation, expressed her deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts that have driven the depot’s development thus far. She acknowledged the significant contributions of the local authorities, the district’s Members of Parliament, and ECOWAS, all of whom have been instrumental in overcoming the numerous challenges that have arisen during the project’s progression. “This depot is not just a symbol of regional cooperation, but also a vital asset for Sierra Leone,” Minister Barlay remarked, stressing the depot’s importance for both national and sub-regional security and logistics.

Reflecting on her previous visits to the depot, Minister Barlay reiterated her commitment to resolving outstanding issues, that have the potential to delay the project’s completion. She emphasized the need for continued dialogue and stakeholder engagement to ensure that all parties are aligned and that the project remains on track.

One of the key topics of discussion was the need to secure an additional acre of seafront land, which is crucial for the depot’s operations. Minister Barlay made a heartfelt appeal to the residents of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, emphasizing the potential benefits that the expanded depot could bring to the community, including job creation and capacity building. She also mentioned ongoing negotiations with the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, which occupies quarters on the land proposed for the depot’s expansion. The goal is to reach an amicable resolution that serves the interests of all parties involved.

Ambassador Haroun Moussa, representing ECOWAS, underscored the strategic importance of the depot, explaining that it was established under United Nations and African Union protocols to support peacekeeping operations across the sub-region. He highlighted that the depot is a critical logistics hub that enhances the operational capacity of peacekeeping missions, making its completion a priority for both ECOWAS and Sierra Leone.

The project consultants provided an update on the depot’s progress, reporting that the facility is now over 97% complete, with only minor tasks remaining, including the installation of water supply systems, fire safety measures, and additional accommodations for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. They expressed confidence that the project would be completed by the end of the year.

Chief Alhaji Alimamy Dumbuya, Speaker of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, praised the government for its commitment to the project and expressed the chiefdom’s unwavering support. He highlighted the pride that the people of Kaffu Bullom feel in hosting such a significant development, which promises to bring long-term benefits to the region.

In his welcoming address, retired Lieutenant-Colonel Dr. Bala Mohamed, Head of the Logistics Depot, described the day as historic, lauding President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in elevating Sierra Leone’s status on the global stage, including its recent election to the United Nations Security Council. He emphasized that the depot is now a symbol of national pride, reflecting the immense time, effort, and resources invested in its development.

As the meeting concluded, there was a shared sense of optimism among the stakeholders, with all parties reaffirming their commitment to the timely completion of the depot, which is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting peacekeeping operations across West Africa.

For further information, please contact the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development Communications Team at +23279174027 or visit the Ministry’s official social media handles: @moped2024 on Facebook and Twitter.