Sierra Leone's Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called for improved project management, stronger institutional coordination, and the timely completion of education infrastructure projects funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). The Vice President made the call during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects at Prince of Wales Secondary School and Milton Margai Technical University's Brookfields campus in Freetown.
The inspection formed part of efforts to assess the progress of BADEA-funded educational facilities, identify challenges affecting implementation, and ensure that the projects meet their intended objectives. The projects are designed to improve teaching and learning conditions at the two institutions, including classroom construction, modern educational facilities, renovation of existing buildings, staff accommodation, and perimeter fencing.
During the visit, Dr Jalloh expressed concern over several challenges affecting project execution, including contractor-related issues, financial constraints, administrative difficulties, and weaknesses in project management. He emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure that educational facilities are completed efficiently and delivered for the benefit of students, teachers, and other beneficiaries.
The inspection covered educational infrastructure projects intended to improve educational infrastructure, provide more suitable learning environments, and strengthen security within the institutions. At Prince of Wales Secondary School and Milton Margai Technical University, the Vice President assessed the progress of construction and renovation activities while examining issues affecting implementation.
Dr Jalloh identified several obstacles affecting the implementation of the BADEA-funded projects, including contractor-related difficulties, financial and administrative challenges, and weaknesses in project coordination. He stressed that successful project delivery requires effective management throughout every stage, from initial planning and financing to construction and final handover.
The Vice President highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among contractors, implementing institutions, and other stakeholders responsible for executing the projects. He also indicated that findings from the inspection would inform a report documenting progress, outstanding challenges, and areas requiring corrective action. Dr Jalloh emphasized that improved coordination is necessary to ensure that publicly supported development projects are completed according to their intended objectives.
The inspection highlights ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure and strengthen oversight of development projects in Sierra Leone. The BADEA-funded initiatives are expected to provide improved learning facilities, staff accommodation, and security infrastructure at beneficiary institutions. Addressing contractor-related, financial, and administrative challenges will be important to achieving timely delivery and ensuring that infrastructure investments translate into completed and functional facilities.
Key points
- Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh calls for improved project management and timely completion of BADEA-funded education projects in Freetown.
- The projects aim to improve educational infrastructure and provide better learning environments for students and teachers.
- The Vice President's inspection highlights the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
