“It is no longer a secret that a Cardinal policy of this Government, with respect to the road infrastructure, is to ensure that the reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance of the existing national road network is encouraged and sustained. This is in order to maximize the contribution of the road network to our nation’s economic recovery programme.”
He said the school they have built for the community is part of CRSG Corporate Social Responsibility for the Widening to 4-Lane and Tolling of the Wellington – Masiaka Highway Project.
“The road from Wellington to Masiaka is about 67km long and it serves as the main route linking the Provinces and the capital, Freetown and this project falls within Pillar Four of the Government’s Agenda for Prosperity.”
Hon. Harvey said after its construction in 1994, the volume of traffic on this road has considerably increased to date, with an average daily traffic of 4,320 vehicles per day, and the level of service of the existing two lanes has reduced drastically as a result of increased traffic situation, deteriorating condition of the pavement and creation of new accesses.
The Chairman reiterated that creation of jobs for the unemployed youths, creation of easy access from the proposed Mamamah International Airport to Freetown and the design makes provision for a 2-lane median reserve for future development and protection from encroachment.
I want to make it very clear that this expansion will increase trade facilitation between neighbouring Provinces leading to an increase in the country’s GDP, and it will improve on transportation of agricultural produce from the producing areas to market centres with ease.”
He averred that there will be reduction in travel time and vehicle operating costs, and provision of regular funds for the maintenance of the road and ease of financial burden on the Government through the tolling system.
“We are grateful to the People’s Republic of China, the CRSG in particular, for sourcing the much needed funds for the implementation of the project under a Finance, Design, Construct, Operate, Maintain and Transfer arrangement with the Government of Sierra Leone. The cost for the rehabilitation of this road is estimated at $153m (One Hundred and Fifty-Three Million United States Dollars) and the construction period is expected to last for four years plus one year defects liability period.”
He said a concession period of 25 years has been given to CRSG during which they are expected to recoup their investment through a Toll System. The existing road he said will be widened on both sides with a 1m wide median constructed from Wellington to Masiaka, whilst from Waterloo to Masiaka the two lanes will be constructed on the right-hand-side, with a centre road reserve of 8m for future road development.
“A new 11meter wide bridge will also be constructed at Orugu, with structural strengthening of the existing Orugu Bridge.”