Song Dongsheng, PowerChina Group President with President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone (photo credit: State House Communications Team Sierra Leone)

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio held a meeting in Beijing recently with internationally renowned Chinese company, PowerChina International Group Ltd, to discuss the construction of Lungi Bridge.

Explaining the importance of the proposed Lungi Bridge, the passionate President Bio said that the bridge will open Sierra Leone up for business and attract more investors and tourists. The construction of Lungi Bridge is a project that the president has never promised but has always kept close to his heart, telling a foreign delegation at State House a number of weeks ago that he was actively looking for reputable companies to engage in the construction of the Lungi Bridge.

President Bio explained that Freetown is too congested and the construction of a bridge will not only reduce that congestion but also promote economic development. He encouraged PowerChina International to consider the construction of Lungi Bridge as a very important project that will bring huge relief to many Sierra Leoneans and make the country an enviable tourist destination.

The President of PowerChina International Group Ltd, Mr. Song Dongsheng, praised President Bio for his great leadership and passion in attracting investors to Sierra Leone. Song said that PowerChina International, which is already well-known for its investment in many African countries, is very interested in constructing the Lungi Bridge, adding that it will create employment opportunities for both countries.

Sierra Leone government and PowerChina Group officials, celebrating their partnership (Photo Credit: State House Communications Sierra Leone)

Updating the President on the proposed project, the Chief Minister, Professor David J. Francis, said that while the proposed construction of the Lungi Bridge is the key priority, the whole project package will also include the expansion of the local airport and creation of an economic zone. The Chief Minister said that constructing a bridge will mean increased passenger traffic, hence the airport expansion must fall in line with the construction of the bridge.

Following a successful meeting, President Bio invited PowerChina to visit Sierra Leone for a more detailed discussion with the relevant ministers and the Chairman of Presidential Infrastructure, Dr. John Tambi. The President of PowerChina International Group Ltd accepted the invitation and agreed that the company will visit Sierra Leone in October for discussions on detailed financing, feasibility studies and a technical meeting on the design with Dr. John Tambi.