Parliament Divided Over Proposed $124M Lungi Congress Centre
By Osman Marah
Lawmakers are sharply split over a proposed $124 million Congress Centre to be built in Lungi, with the government defending the project as a strategic investment and the opposition questioning its timing and financial implications.
Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura today tabled the agreement for parliamentary approval, outlining plans for a modern conference complex that would include a high-capacity convention hall, a presidential villa, and an adjoining hotel. He explained that the state would not directly fund the construction but would guarantee a loan to be secured by a private developer.
According to the minister, the facility is intended to position Sierra Leone as a destination for major international gatherings, including a forthcoming ECOWAS summit. He added that the target completion period is between six and nine months.
Backing the initiative, Hon. Alhaji K. Vandi, who chairs Parliament’s Finance Oversight Committee, said the country currently lacks a venue capable of hosting conferences of more than 1,000 delegates. He argued that the project could stimulate economic growth in Lungi and elevate Sierra Leone’s profile on the global stage. However, he cautioned that strict oversight of the loan terms is essential to prevent unfavorable interest rates.
Opposition Chief Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kargbo strongly disagreed, describing the project as disconnected from the pressing needs of ordinary citizens. He highlighted ongoing transportation challenges between Lungi and Freetown, particularly the unreliable boat crossings, and suggested that equivalent resources could instead support tertiary education or improve road networks to strengthen agriculture.
Kargbo also warned about the country’s rising debt obligations, stressing that even a government guarantee could expose Sierra Leone to financial risk if the private partner fails to meet repayment terms. While the Finance Minister maintained that the arrangement would not increase public debt, the opposition insisted that the potential liability cannot be overlooked.
