Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, conducted an on-the-spot visit to the Sewa Grounds Market project in Central Freetown today to assess its progress.
This ambitious project, spearheaded by the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), aims to create a modern trading space capable of accommodating over 6,000 traders and customers daily.
The market’s completion is anticipated to significantly reduce street trading in Freetown. NASSIT’s Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, assured the Chief Minister that the facility is over 95 percent complete and is expected to be ready for commissioning by August this year.
“This facility includes a crèche for nursing mothers, a control room for CCTV cameras, offices for commercial banks, and a dedicated office for the Freetown City Council (FCC) to collect market dues. Additionally, it features a 100,000-liter water tank and 151 toilets to enhance sanitation within the market,” Daboh detailed.
He also highlighted the parking arrangements, noting a facility for 50 vehicles and plans for an ultra-modern parking center to serve traders, customers, and nearby office workers.
Furthermore, the market is equipped with nine hydrants and fire hoses, with fire extinguishers to be installed soon.
The Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction with the project’s execution, commending NASSIT’s leadership and design practices.
“I am pleased with NASSIT’s commitment to quality and the significant progress made since the initial substandard work. My visit today was to obtain a firsthand update on the project’s status and evaluate NASSIT’s achievements,” Dr. Sengeh stated.
This visit follows a technical overview presentation held in the Chief Minister’s conference hall at State House, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing infrastructure and market facilities in Freetown.
