By Politico Staff writer
The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has concluded a three day public disclosure of the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) report for the reconstruction of the Kailahun - Koindu, Koindu - Guinea Border and Koindu - Liberia Border Road Projects in two separate events.
The report assessed the impacts of the operations and provided mitigation measures, including environmental and social management plans and monitoring measures for the entire project cycle.
The report, as a result of the road construction, identified several negative environment and social impacts that included air, water pollution, land, soil degradation, noise, vibration, involuntary displacement, risk of disease transmission and waste generation. Several positive impacts were also recorded. They included employment opportunities, improvement in local and regional economy and improvement in network connectivity and traveling within the district.
The report recommended for land acquisition to be done with proper agreement with local authorities, regular sprinkling of water on dry and dusty road surfaces, contractors to ensure that all vehicles and construction machinery are kept in good condition all time in order to avoid excessive noise generation and affected communities should be informed earlier on displacement.
The ESHIA report also recommended that affected businesses be compensated appropriately according to existing best practices and minimize clearance and disruption of vegetation on river banks.
Director General of the SLRA, Ing. Abdulai Ansumana said that the report is in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA’s) regulatory recommendation before the commencement of construction works which doubles as a key requirement for donors to approve funds for the project.
Informing stakeholders of government’s effort in securing funds for the project, the Director General stressed that the reconstruction of the Kailahun - Koindu, Koindu - Guinea Border and Koindu - Liberia Border Road will help restore the socio-economic relevance of Koindu and Kailahun district in general. He told the stakeholders that government was at an advanced stage to secure the funds for the project, and encouraged them to be patient and take ownership of development projects.
The Executive Chairman for the EPA, Dr. Bondi Ngevao implored the SLRA to be collaborating with EPA in supervising the contractors to ensure that they comply with the implementation of the environment management plan and other safeguards requirements. The Executive Chairman also educate the audience on sensitive environmental management issues such avoiding the deforestation of their environment to avoid natural disasters.
Doris Baby Momoh, Deputy Chairperson for Kailahun District Council, expressed her appreciation and said that she expects her people to benefit from the project. Several stakeholders commended the project citing its socio-economic benefits to them, and at the same time lauded the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio for his administration’s effort in making the project a reality.
Momoh called for the involvement of the Council Works Engineer, and the Environmental and Social Officers in the implementation and monitoring of the project.
The project management teams allayed the fears and concerns raised by stakeholders on the payment of compensation to project affected persons, employment opportunities for indigenes and safety issues.
According to a report from the Information Officer attached to the SLRSA, Keifa Jaward, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) will fund part of the project which includes a total distance of 62.85km situated within 23 towns and villages across 3 chiefdoms. The IDB will fund the rehabilitation work of 39.8km including ancillary works in Kailahun. The African Development Bank will fund the remainder of the works which will include works from Dobuo - Koindu - Guinea - Libeira Border Roads and the construction of the 250m Peace Bridge at Yenga.
The construction work will revamp the social and economic status of Koindu, which used to play host to the famous international market that drew traders across all four member states of the Mano River Union.
The reconstruction work is believed to improve the region’s road network, reduce travel time and enhance operational efficiency. The said project is also expected to promote economic growth within the region, improve safety and reliability for all road users, attract diverted traffic that will foster regional growth and provide employment opportunities to local inhabitants.
The first event was held on the 11th May in Freetown and 17th May, 2021 in Koindu Town with participants drawn from the EPA, SLRSA, SLRTC, Guma Valley Water Company, ONS, Sierra Leone Police, Trader’s Union, Motor Drivers’ Union, Bike Riders Union, civil society, youth groups and the media.
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