Handover Meeting for Kenema Feeder Road Project from Vaahun Junction to Nikabu road

Building Pathways to Prosperity: Handover of Kenema Feeder Road Project

In Sierra Leone’s eastern heartland, new infrastructure is paving the way for lasting progress. The Vaahun Junction to Nikabu Feeder Road Project in Kenema District is part of the ILO Opportunity Salone Programme, funded by the European Union (EU), to improve rural connectivity and strengthen key agricultural value chains — cassava, vegetables, and palm oil.

By enhancing access to markets, schools, and health facilities, the 18.2-kilometre road will boost livelihoods and create 260 local jobs across nearby communities. More than just a road, it represents a shared commitment to inclusive development — connecting people to opportunity and prosperity.

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Launching the Kenema Feeder Road Project

On Friday, 26 September 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Kenema District Council (KENDC), officially launched the Vaahun Junction to Nikabu Feeder Road Project. The initiative aims to improve mobility, expand trade, and empower rural communities through job creation and local enterprise development.

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Partners in Progress

The handover brought together a wide coalition of partners working to strengthen Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and economy. Attending were representatives from the European Union (EU) — Federico Capurro, Food Systems and Digitalization Programme Manager for Rural Development, and Stephane, Head of Cooperation — alongside the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), represented by Senior Engineer Samuel J. Maculey. Also present were Sheika Sannoh and Ahmed Nanoh of the Technical Project Advisory Committee (TPAC); local SME contractors; community representatives; and the ILO technical team led by Austin Nguku, Technical Officer, EIIP and Amadu Sajor Jalloh, Feeder Roads Engineer.

Local Builders, Lasting Impact

Five SME contractors will lead the work demonstrating how local enterprise can drive large-scale transformation:

• Two Stars Enterprise, Hajiratu Balumu – 3.7 km

• Home Stars Construction & General Services, Nancy Gbeneh – 3.7 km

• Kumdab Construction Enterprise, Bismark Davies – 3.8 km

• Meltonet Construction & General Services, Melvin Alusine Pujeh – 3.5 km

• Africon SL Limited, Sogbendi Hindolo Josiah – 3.5 km

Construction begins on 1 October 2025 and will run for five months. The project ensures that local workers — especially women and youth — benefit directly through employment.

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Transforming Communities, Connecting Futures

The Vaahun Junction to Nikabu Feeder Road Project is expected to transform the social and economic life of local communities. By improving access to markets, schools, and health facilities, the road will make daily travel easier, faster, and safer. The project will provide employment opportunities for 260 local workers and strengthen local SMEs through contracting opportunities. Improved connectivity will also support trade, agriculture, and the movement of goods, opening up new economic opportunities across the district.

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Community Voices, Shared Commitment

During the meeting, Chief Administrator Ahmed Sheku Bah Koroma emphasized the critical role of feeder roads in promoting social and economic development. Representatives from the EU, SLRA, and TPAC highlighted the importance of inclusive participation, safety, and quality assurance throughout implementation. Community members expressed appreciation for the job opportunities and long-term benefits of the project. Chairperson Frances Jampawai noted that “this project doesn’t just connect villages — it empowers people and builds lasting confidence within communities.”

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Why It Matters

This project shows how collaboration between the ILO, EU, government, SMEs, and communities builds infrastructure that connects people, strengthens livelihoods, and drives inclusive, long- term development in Sierra Leone.

Key Figures

• Road length: 18.2 km

• SMEs engaged: 5 contractors

• Employment: 260 local workers

• Construction duration: 5 months (1st October 2025 – 26th February 2026)