A group of consultants from COWI A/S consulting, a renowned engineering firm specializing in complex infrastructure designs, met with the Minister of Finance in Sierra Leone to discuss an optional analysis study on the design of the Lungi Bridge. The team, along with the Country Manager of the African Development Bank (AfDB), visited Sierra Leone from September 27th to 29th, 2023.
During the meeting, Halima Hashi, the AfDB country manager, introduced the consultants and explained that their role would be to assess the technical and economic feasibility of the Lungi Bridge project. This assessment would be based on existing information and supplemented with new observations. The study’s outcome will help determine the realistic scope and suitability of the project before proceeding with engineering designs. The study will also review recent studies and identify the most appropriate technical solution for the bridge.
The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, expressed his gratitude to the African Development Bank, its President, and the Country Manager for their continued support and interest in the Lungi Bridge project. He assured them of the government’s commitment to realizing the construction of the bridge, emphasizing the economic opportunities and potential it would bring to Lungi.
Minister Bangura informed the team that the government is exploring various financing options for the Lungi Bridge and other major infrastructure projects across different sectors. He welcomed the study and looked forward to its outcomes.
The meeting also addressed topics such as different financing potentials and options, selecting suitable partners, and collaborating with other government agencies to expedite the study and move on to the next phase.
The Ministry of Finance Communications department provided this information.
Source: MoF Communications
