CEMMATS Group has successfully completed two rounds of public disclosures in relation to the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the ambitious projects undertaken by ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP) in Koya chiefdom in the Port Loko district.
The validation of the ESIA report marks a significant milestone in paving the way for the realization of extensive industrial complexes by Arise IIP in that region. These forthcoming factories are poised to generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly for the burgeoning youth demographic of Sierra Leone.
The public disclosure events were held consecutively, with the first event taking place in Songo on August 23, 2023, followed by the second event in Port Loko on August 24, 2023. Notable attendees at the Songo Workshop included representatives such as the Chiefdom Speaker of Koya chiefdom, acting on behalf of the Paramount Chief who is currently in London.
Additionally, the Member of Parliament (MP), Honorable Kanu, local Section Chiefs from the Babai and Modorma Sections within the project area, Town Chiefs from the five communities encompassing the project area, and leaders of youth and women’s groups from these communities were all present.
During the discourse, Honorable Kanu articulated his view that the project’s benefits extend beyond the confines of Koya chiefdom, positively impacting the broader Port Loko district and contributing to Sierra Leone’s overall economic landscape.
Kanu underscored that the venture’s potential to foster employment opportunities for the youth is complemented by its capacity to position Koya chiefdom as a pivotal player within the national economy.
The commitment demonstrated by ARISE IIP to conduct a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was highlighted by Honorable Kanu as indicative of the company’s earnest intentions. He emphasized that ARISE IIP is not solely focused on reaping benefits from the region but is genuinely dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Sierra Leone’s populace.
Throughout the proceedings, the business entity elucidated their operational framework while CEMMATS provided detailed insights into the ESIA report.
Participants actively engaged in discussions, with inquiries predominantly centered on land acquisition, compensation for agricultural losses, employment prospects, and the envisaged community development initiatives that ARISE IIP is poised to implement within those localities.
The successful culmination of these public disclosure events marks a pivotal juncture in the journey of ARISE IIP’s transformative projects in Sierra Leone. As the nation eagerly anticipates the constructive developments that these initiatives will usher in, the commitment to sustainable growth and community well-being remains at the forefront of this collaborative endeavor.
It could be recalled that as part of their investment portfolio in Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) on Tuesday, 17th January 2023 signed the Pepel Port and Pepel-Tonkolili Railway development, expansion and management lease agreement with ARISE integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd.
The agreement has been described as a landmark in the history of the mining sector in the small West African country, and has been commended in the development sphere in the country and the African continent considering the investment portfolio of ARISE in helping developing countries like Togo and Gabon.
With Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Africa Transformation and Industrialization Fund (ATIF) as their two shareholders, ARISE identifies industrial gaps in African countries that unlock value and create new industries.
The company’s aim is to industrialize key sectors by creating local transformation, maximizing production, efficiency and cost, which in turn generates local value addition.
ARISE tailor-made special economic zones in Gabon, Benin and Togo seek to boost exports, enable the local transformation of raw materials and promote trade, and these are opportunities that Sierra Leone can tap from with its new relationship with a reputable company that has proven record in their work.
The Pepel Port and Pepel-Tonkolili Railway development, expansion and management lease agreement will give a 10% free Carry to the GoSL and provide access to rail and port facilities to other bulk mineral producers in the northern corridor of the country.
ARISE is estimating a total investment of 476 million dollars covering the refurbishment of the Pepel Tonkolili Railway work, Pepel Port, Railway connectivity to Marampa mines, the introduction of passenger rail services and the rail connection to Guinea.
With a track record and vast knowledge in investing in Africa, ARISE is a company that should be embraced in Sierra Leone and be provided with the support to be able to succeed in developing the country’s economy and create jobs in a country whose unemployment rate continues to rise.
