By Hajaratu Kalokoh
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has commissioned the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Logistics depot in Lungi, Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom.
The facility, which is being constructed under a project that will cost an estimated $8 million, is meant to support ECOWAS peace keeping operations, efficiently combat violent activism and tackle terrorist activities in the West Africa sub region.
Vice President Jalloh officially handed over the site for construction to commence at a ceremony on Saturday, February 8, to SOGEFEL. a Guinean Construction and Engineering Firm.
In his keynote address, Dr Jalloh said the commencement of construction work on the depot showed that West Africa was committed to handling emerging security issues, which sent a message to international partners as well.
“We are going to support this project in all facets. I have informed the Commissioner about the importance of reactivating a national committee and get to work immediately. It is our responsibility to provide the adequate security and working environment so that this depot will be constructed within the 15 months period, as stipulated,” Jalloh said.
Vice President, ECOWAS Commission, Madam Finda Koroma, noted that the depot was timely as a result of the increased acts of terrorism in the ECOWAS region.
“The logistics facility was timely and a very important project for the region’s peace support operations, in the wake of increased acts of terrorism and violent extremism that are being perpetrated in a number of the ECOWAS Member States with heavy and dire consequences on the civilian and military population,” a statement from the Ministry of Development quoted Mrs Koroma saying.
“Sierra Leone and in particular Lungi, was selected as the best location for the ECOWAS Peace Support Operations Facility due to the outstanding performance of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) across the world in peace keeping operations, in addition to the political and strategic considerations,” she added.
The idea was first conceived in the early 2000s, during the administration of late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. Initially, Hasting Airfields complex was first selected by the Kabbah administration in 2004 as the construction site. However, the Lungi International Airport was chosen as an alternative site in 2009 by Kabbah’s successor, Ernest Bai Koroma’s administration. The land was officially handed over to ECOWAS in July 2010.
The ECOWAS logistics depot is expected to be constructed in three phases over three years period. Among many things, phase 1 includes construction of security posts, administration building, and a water supply system; phase 2 involves construction of communication structures and facilities, workshop, construction of motor pool for 50 light vehicles; and phase 3 includes construction of a dormitory for trainees.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, noted during the ceremony that ECOWAS had always given a helping hand to Sierra Leone, referencing the military wing of the regional body- ECOMOG which was deployed to help combat the 1991-2002 civil war in the country.
“Sierra Leone was rescued by ECOWAS through ECOMOG to attain peace and stability and that has been sustained up to today. This tranquility has been recognized and rewarded with a huge responsibility of now hosting a depot that will contribute to the peace and stability of our sub-region,” said Dr. Kai-Kai.
ECOWAS, established on May 28th 1975, comprises 15 member countries in the West Africa region with a mandate of promoting economic and political integration.
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