Gento Group’s Banana Island Seaport Project Enters Parliament
Written By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation Rex Bhonapha presented the Concession Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Gento Group of Companies to Parliament. The agreement outlines plans for a seaport development encompassing design, financing, construction, and operation on Banana Island’s Dublin and Rickett communities, alongside a logistics hub at Kent in Sierra Leone.
Highlighting the project’s significance, Bhonapha informed Parliament that the $1.5 billion initiative received Cabinet approval on June 3, 2024. He emphasized that Banana Island’s strategic declassification from protected status was carefully managed to allow for development while ensuring environmental protections against harmful activities.
Central to Bhonapha’s presentation was the revelation that the seaport, with a projected depth of 20-24 meters, would become West Africa’s deepest. He underscored its potential to catalyze economic growth and create substantial employment opportunities, particularly for Sierra Leone’s youth. “This transshipment port and logistics hub will position Sierra Leone as a key player in international maritime trade, bringing substantial economic benefits,” Bhonapha asserted.
The Deputy Minister projected that construction alone would generate over 1,000 jobs, with long-term employment potential exceeding 10,000. Additionally, he forecasted indirect job creation up to 100,000 positions through increased investment, potentially contributing 4.5% to the nation’s GDP.
Parliamentarians commended Bhonapha for his comprehensive presentation, acknowledging the agreement as a pivotal milestone for Sierra Leone’s development. A forthcoming debate on the agreement signals its path towards ratification, marking a critical phase in the project’s realization.
As Sierra Leone stands poised for this transformative venture, prospects for enhanced maritime trade and economic advancement appear promising for the nation’s future.
