The rehabilitation/reconstruction of rural/feeder roads and associated structures in the Bonthe and Kono districts have been signed between the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and seven local firms.
The signing ceremony which was held in the Conference Room of the SLRA in Freetown recently was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) and Heads of Strategic Policy Units.
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| Contractors waiting signing of contracts |
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the ceremony, Mr. Salamu M. Koroma, revealed that the project is directly supervised by the Infrastructural Project in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.
Mr. Koroma disclosed that out of 49 bids received from local firms only seven local firms were selected by the International Development Agency (IDA).
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| Director General – SLRA – Mr. Munda Rogers (middle)Addressing contractors before signing |
Director General of the SLRA, Mr. Munda Rogers recalled that in the past, contractors have signed similar contracts but failed to adhere to the terms and conditions of the contract they signed, as a result abandoned the projects without completion.
He told contractors that President Koroma is the overall supervisor of the project, adding that the President has made it categorically clear to the SLRA and its board that should any contractor produce substandard work, the contractor will be put out of business and blacklisted.
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| Mr. Munda Rogers – and Mr Salamu M. Koroma Doing the signing |
Mr. Rogers further advised contractors that when part or full payment is made for the project they should use it for the intended purpose.
He cautioned them that should any one be culpable of breaching the contract, he will be handed over to the police.
The PS in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Saa Kpulum noted that his ministry has full knowledge of developments at SLRA. He commended the Director General and board of SLRA for ensuring that this project becomes a reality.
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| Contractors signing their contracts |
On behalf of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED), Mr. Sam A. Aruna gave an overview of the project which he said was at the verge of being cancelled because of delay. Mr. Aruna maintained that the project is the first single handedly funded project by the World Bank and implemented by the IDA.
He revealed that the project was initially intended for four districts but noted further that owing to the delay in its implementation, two districts were dropped from the list.
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| Albert Lapia – Head of Procurement - SLRA presenting contractors for the signing |
Mr. Aruna admonished the contractors to implement the project as expected of them, adding that the Ministry of Finance’s focal concern is the proper utilization of the project funds.
Representing the Head of Strategic Policy Unit, Professor Victor Strasser-King and Musa Skiaka emphasized the premium that the Unit and State House put on feeder roads and rehabilitation projects.
He said President Koroma has mandated the Unit to be vigilant in monitoring the project and keep updating him (President Koroma) regularly on developments.
Mr. Shiaka said President Koroma has empowered the Unit to recommend termination of contract should any contractor be found wanting contrary to the terms and conditions of the contract.
“Monitoring has gone beyond SLRA,” Mr. Shiaka reechoed, adding; “State House is also monitoring projects inclusive the feeder roads and rehabilitation projects.
Chairman of the Board of SLRA, Mr. Ahmed C. Dumbuya in his contribution, admonished contractors to make their mark, noting that some contractors were not fortunate to be selected. He further called on the contractors to undertake a quality job as it will qualify them for subsequent contracts with the SLRA.
Making a statement of commitment on behalf of the consultant group, Mr. David Menely Kargbo said as a consultant group, one of their key responsibilities is to supervise the project.
He assured that should contractors need their services, they will be more than ready to offer them, whilst encouraging contactors to commence work immediately.
The successful firms are as follows (where B for Bonthe and K for Kono);
All are local firms
1. Amak Construction and General Merchandise Package B1 –Le1,910,797,000.00
2. Kam Enterprise Package B2 Le2,294,912,500.00
3. Ram Kamara Enterprise Package B3-Le2,418,235,625.00
4. A.K. Roads Building and Construction Limited Package K1-Le2,587,654,720.00
5. Mylans Trading Package K2-Le1,708,765,000.00
6. Yorma Engineering Services Package K3-Le3,604,235,450,00
7. MKD Jass Distribution Package K4-Le1432,184,900.00
Seven and half month’s time line was allotted for B1 to B3, K1 to K3, and four months allotted for K4 only.
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Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
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