Sierra Leone - Mano River union rehabilitation of Bo-Bandajuma road project

The proposed project involves rehabilitation of the Bo-Bandajuma road at an estimated total cost of UA23.84 million. This is a critical link of national and regional importance linking the south eastern parts of Sierra Leone and regionally to neighboring Mano River Union (MRU) member states and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nation-wide, the Bo-Bandajuma road provides access to the southern region district towns of Bo (second largest City after Freetown) and Pujehun. The road passes through one of the areas that was severely affected by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Crisis and will aide in the post recovery period in delivery and provision of access to social-economic services. Given its advanced state of deterioration, its rehabilitation is necessary to maintain its status as a route of choice providing safe and efficient movement of freight and services. The project addresses key development objectives outlined in the country development agenda, the Agenda for Prosperity (A4P). The Bank’s intervention complements the planned upgrading of the Trans-African Highway (TAH) missing link between Bandajuma-Zimmi-MRU Bridge that is to be financed by the Commission of European Union (EU). The project involves the rehabilitation of 46km section of road between Bo (the country’s second largest town) to Bandajuma. It will also support the completion of three studies: pre-feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the Mano River Bridge, update of studies for the Kailahun Koindu Guinea Border road, study to identify trade and transport facilitation needs and assessment of joint Border operations within the MRU transport corridors. It will cover awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola, gender and road safety.