Handover Meeting for BombaliDistrict, Feeder Road Project fromKalangba to Madina Loko

Connecting People, Powering Agriculture: Handover of Bombali Feeder Road Project

The ILO Opportunity Salone Project, funded by the European Union (EU), is transforming rural connectivity across Sierra Leone by rehabilitating feeder roads that link key agricultural value chains — cassava, vegetables, and palm oil. In Bombali District, the long- challenging Kalangba–Madina Loko road is being upgraded to improve market access, reduce travel times, and create employment for local communities.

The 14.3-kilometre rehabilitation will employ around 241 workers, including women and youth, and serve as a model for inclusive infrastructure that strengthens livelihoods and supports sustainable agricultural growth.

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Partnership in Action: Handover Meeting in Bombali

On 23rd September 2025, the International Labour Organization, in partnership with the Bombali District Council, held a handover stakeholders’ meeting at the Council office in Makeni and at the Kalangba to Madina Loko project site. The handover meeting brought together key stakeholders, including members of the Technical Project Advisory Committee (TPAC), Sheika Sannoh, Co-Chairman, and Ahmed Nanoh; Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) representatives Samuel J. Maculey, Senior Engineer at SLRA headquarters, and Baimaro Kamara, Senior Engineer for Bombali District; the ILO technical team led by Austin Nguku, Technical Officer, EIIP and Amadu Sajor Jalloh, Engineer; and the Bombali District Council, represented by Patrick Jackiemah, Deputy Chief Administrator, and Philip A. Brima, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. Community leaders, local contractors, and SME representatives were also in attendance.

The Five Chosen Local SME's

Five SME contractors have been engaged to rehabilitate the 14.3-kilometre road:

• Passoh Company Limited, managed by Abdulai Bah, and Midas Procurement and Logistics Services, managed by Shiek Omar Kamara - 3 kilometres;

• Me-Level Construction and General Supply Limited, managed by Daniel Don-Metzger, 3.3 kilometres;

• Caisey Enterprise, managed by Sheku Sesay, 3.1 kilometres;

• Trust Junior Global Rental Logistics and Construction SL Limited, managed by Sorie Kargbo, 1.9 kilometres.

Construction runs from 1st October 2025 to 28th February 2026, a five-month project with six-hour daily shifts for workers 18 and above.

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Importance and Impact

The Kalangba to Madina Loko Feeder Road Project is designed to transform rural life by improving access to markets, schools, and health facilities. The road will facilitate the movement of agricultural products, increase trade opportunities, and create employment for women, men, and persons with disabilities. By strengthening connectivity, the project will help farmers, traders, and businesses access new markets and boost local economies, contributing to long-term community development.

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Voices from the Community

Patrick Jackiemah, Deputy Chief Administrator, welcomed stakeholders and highlighted the role of agricultural products to promote livelihoods and local development. Austin Nguku, ILO Technical Officer, EIIP emphasized that empowering women through employment strengthens communities and creates long-term opportunities. Engineer Amadu Sajor Jalloh reminded participants of community ownership over the project outcomes. Philip Boima, M&E Officer, conveyed community gratitude and noted that the road will greatly improve daily travel and quality of life. Chief Malik Sillah closed the meeting by thanking participants and pledging community support for the project’s success.

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Driving Rural Growth and Inclusion

Closing the meeting, Chief Malik Sillah thanked attendees, offered blessings, and reaffirmed the community’s support for the project. The ILO Opportunity Salone Feeder Road Project in Bombali District marks a vital step toward improving rural connectivity, boosting local economies, and promoting inclusive development. Through strong collaboration between the ILO, government, EU, contractors, and communities, the Kalangba to Madina Loko road will create jobs, expand economic opportunities, and ease the transport of agricultural goods across the district.

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Why This Project Matters

This project demonstrates the power of collaboration between the EU, ILO, government institutions, SME contractors, and local communities. By rehabilitating vital feeder roads, it is creating jobs, strengthening rural economies, improving access to services, and opening new opportunities for farmers and businesses in Bombali District.

Key Figures

• Road length: 14.3 km

• SMEs engaged: 5 contractors

• Employment: 241 local workers

• Construction duration: 5 months (1st October 2025 – 28th February 2026)