Ground has been broken on Sierra Leone’s long-awaited Fish Harbour Project, following a formal launch at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown. The ceremony drew senior government officials, representatives of the Chinese Embassy, and several stakeholders from the fisheries sector. The new facility will be built at Black Johnson in the Western Area Rural District.
The project is funded through a US$55 million contribution from the Government of China. Once completed, the Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Port is expected to reshape the country’s fishing landscape. Projections show that it could raise annual revenue by more than US$59 million, open up employment across the fishing value chain, support food security, and reinforce the objectives of the Feed Salone programme.
Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, speaking on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, thanked China for what he described as a continued show of confidence in the country’s development path. He stated that the new harbour will help Sierra Leone meet international standard, including those under the FAO Port State Measures, which promote responsible and transparent management of marine resources.
Dr Jalloh also emphasized the economic relevance of the project, explaining that the new harbour will strengthen monitoring and enforcement of quotas, will facilitate port operations and open new private sector activities. He called the launch a defining moment for the country and urged investors to take advantage of the opportunities the industry offers.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Princess Dugba said the government had completed several preparatory steps before construction, among them securing 252 acres of land for the harbour and compensating landowners. She added that the project will include a breakwater system, a slipway, a fish market, office space for the ministry, and room for additional private sector facilities.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the arrival of Chinese engineers and contractors, who are already working alongside local teams to ensure power and water systems are in place ahead of full construction. She pointed to the sector’s potential to support national food and income goals and encouraged continued collaboration.
China’s Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, who attended the launch, said he was pleased to witness the start of what he described as an important cooperative venture. He recalled the long-standing partnership between China and Sierra Leone, noting joint efforts in fisheries, agriculture, and education over several decades.
Read Also: Security Agencies Dispose of Large Stockpile of Illegal Drugs in Ongoing Crackdown
Mr Liu said the harbour project received direct approval from President Xi Jinping following discussions at the Beijing Summit on Africa-China cooperation. He expressed confidence that the new port would deepen the relationship between the two countries and provide lasting benefits to the fisheries sector. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development priorities.
The programme was chaired by Brima Kebbie, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries, who described the event as a notable step forward in the partnership between the two nations.
