By Mabinty M. Kamara
Work at the proposed site of the Special Industrial Zone in Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko district has commenced with the erecting of perimeter fence around the demarcated land area by ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), giving hope to the community people.
The 150 hectares perimeter fence marked the beginning of the first phase, according to Santosh Goham,the Construction Manager of ARISE IIP who took a team of Journalists on a conducted tour of the site that would see the establishment of roads, water, and electricity supply systems, as well as storage and warehouse facilities.
Speaking on the investment potential of the project and its impact on the country’s economy, he said the project will involve the creation of a logistic Inland Container Depot in collaboration with the Freetown Ports Authority among others.
Speaking during the media visit to the project site, the Paramount of Koya Chiefdom Bai Kompa Bomboli III expressed optimism about the success of the project, saying ongoing construction work at the site has allayed the fears of his people who thought that the project was just an election-motivated gimmick.
“I am grateful to God Almighty for his wisdom for us to have accepted this project. Initially, I was a bit worried but again I gave it a second thought that I have such a big chiefdom with 19 sections that share boundaries with the South, Western Unban, North West, and North East of the country and I can’t provide a job for my people. So if such initiative that can provide massive opportunity emerges, it is a blessing for which I am grateful to the President for choosing my chiefdom,” he said.
The chief admonished his people to own the project, saying that the elections are over but the project continues, emphasising that it is a great opportunity for his people to grab. “If jobs are created here, it will reduce the crime rate, it will reduce unemployment for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of one’s political or regional affiliations,” he said. The Chief also encouraged journalists to monitor the project, saying that they are always available to speak to the press when needed.
Beaming as Politico approached him, one of the many young men in the green flash vests at the construction site, Osman Kargbo of Mile 6 Village expressed hope that the project continues so that he gets to learn his newfound path in building construction.
“Before now, I was a farmer but when they started working here recently, I and my friends joined the team. We first cleared the site but now I am with the surveyors learning how to operate the machines. When I get to learn the job, even after the construction phase of the project, I can still get a job to do with the skills I would have gained from here,”
Another indigene of the Chiefdom, Emma Fulla of Mamama village said she was hopeful that women would soon join the workforce.
Mohamed Koroma, one of the village heads of Mile 36 described the project as a national undertaking which he said they are very appreciative of, saying that the community people are already part of the initial activities.
He said their desire is to see their people, especially the young employed. “So we have engaged the company to see how they can support them acquire the skills so that they can be job-ready when the company kicks off operations,” he said.
However, Kargbo expressed concerns about the land area left for them to utilize. “The space left for us is small because, in the village, the demarcation is very close to the houses. Even part of the Secondary and Primary school land is gone. The Survey was done by drone so we didn’t quite understand the land areas occupied until now that they are doing the physical demarcation. But the paramount chief is in engagement with them,” he said.
In her statement, Shruthi James, the Environmental Social Governance Manager at ARISE IIP Sierra Leone, highlighted the completion of ARISE IIP’s Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and efforts to conduct an additional ESIA in accordance with International Finance Corporation standards.
James also spoke about ongoing projects, including a mangrove conservation initiative in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She emphasised the company's commitment to international environmental and social standards, saying that for this phase, they will be focusing on Land, and Crops.
In his statement, ARISE’s Local Partner, Anthony Navo Jr said the project aims to stimulate local production, reduce dependence on imports, and create various factories, including a Pharmaceutical Facility, Rice Meal Factory, Tile Production, Paint Manufacturing, and a power plant to provide electricity to the Industrial Zone, the community, and the country. The ultimate goal is import substitution, where goods are produced locally and made available for sale both domestically and abroad.
He emphasized the need for the cooperation and support of the government, community stakeholders, and the local population in achieving this milestone.
President Julius Maada Bio launched the US$ 1.2 billion investment project in April this year. The project is a partnership between Sierra Leone and ARISE IIP, a developer and operator of world-class industrial ecosystems across Africa. The investment that will be connected to the rail and ports corridor, according to the officials, is expected to create over thirty-four thousand (34,000) jobs in the country.
The Special Koya Industrial Zone, which is designed to span 1,600 hectares, boasts a dedicated area for exports, setting it apart with its strong commitment to environmental sustainability, including plans to harness 100 megawatts of solar power.
The company recently announced that it is expecting the arrival of Passenger Railcars in the country. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to revamp the mining sector, offering improved access to rail and port facilities and stimulating economic activities. The Government of Sierra Leone has signed the Pepel Port and Pepel – Tonkolili Railway Development, Expansion, and Management agreement with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (20/10/23)
