Stakeholders Conduct Inspection Tour at ECOWAS Military Logistics Deport

On Thursday, the ECOWAS National Office at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, in collaboration with H.E. Amb. Harouna MOUSSA, the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Sierra Leone, and representatives from the Works Ministry, conducted an inspection tour to assess the progress of the construction at the ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot.

The primary objective of this logistics base is to support Peace Support Operations and host the ECOWAS Standby Forces (ESF) from the West African region.

During the joint inspection, SOGEFEL Construction firm and BANCA Consulting firm, responsible for the construction, led the tour with support from the resident Commandant, Col. Dr. Bala Mohamed, and Lieut. A. B. Konneh.

After the inspection, a debriefing meeting was held, chaired by Col. Dr. Bala Mohamed, who extended a warm welcome to the Ambassador and the representatives of the ECOWAS National Office. He took the opportunity to congratulate the People of the Republic of Sierra Leone on successfully conducting free and peaceful elections.

Col. Dr. Bala Mohamed highlighted that the project is currently in phases 2 and 3, and he appreciated the government's commitment to supporting the initiative. He also praised the contractor and consulting firm for their impressive work on the project.

However, Col. Dr. Bala Mohamed raised concerns about the delay in completing the project, which has become a major topic of discussion in recent Commission meetings. This delay poses a challenge as 5,000 ESF members are already prepared to take up their duties at the depot.

Representatives from the SOGEFEL contractor and BANCA Consulting firm provided a status update on the project, reporting that 92.39% progress has been achieved, despite encountering some challenges during the construction.

Assuring the stakeholders, they committed to completing the entire project and handing it over by November 2023. The remaining tasks primarily involve constructing drainages, roadways, and addressing some areas on the structures.

Sumanu O. Z. Alghali, Head of ECOWAS National Office, introduced Madam Laygbay Lillian Amadu as the New Desk Officer. He expressed disappointment over the delay in completing this regional project and reiterated the concerns raised in previous ECOWAS meetings regarding the completion delay when the Commission had already fulfilled its part of the contract.

Mr. Alghali emphasized the significance of proper records management, effective monitoring, and follow-ups. While commending the team for their impressive work, he urged them to expedite the process to meet the newly agreed deadline.

Madam Laygbay Lillian Amadu, the In-Coming ECOWAS Desk Officer at the Sierra Leone National Office, expressed gratitude for the introduction and stressed her commitment and passion for achieving the office's strategic goals.

She called on all members present to provide the necessary support needed to carry out her duties effectively. She also highlighted the project's importance to H.E. the President of Sierra Leone and ECOWAS' commitment, appealing to the team to expedite the process to ensure timely completion.

Monica Kargbo, Assistant Director from the Ministry of Works and Public Asset, commended the contractors for their impressive work while cautioning them to consider the usual weather conditions in August, as per their work schedule. She suggested that increasing their workforce might help overcome weather challenges swiftly.

Lieutenant A. B. Konneh, RSLAF, thanked the ministry and Ambassador for their visit. He called on the National Office to reactivate the National Project Coordinating Committee and related sectors to provide supervisory roles and support, enabling significant progress on the project. He also expressed concerns about the delay in completing the building permit documentation by the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Country Planning, urging the National Office to liaise with the appropriate authority to expedite the process.

Ambassador Harouna Moussa, the ECOWAS Resident Representative, expressed appreciation for the initiatives taken by the national office. He viewed them as crucial steps in the right direction, considering the apparent delays in completing the project within the initial speculated period. He urged the SOGEFEL Contractor and BANCA Consulting firm to redouble their efforts and work towards completing the project within the new agreed deadline.

He emphasized the importance of harmonious collaboration and liaison with the ministry to address challenges from various sectors. He also stressed the significance of proper records management and adherence to due process, considering the mounting pressure for project completion and the continuous discussions on the matter at the Commission.