By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A wave of excitement has swept through Kenema following the signing of a landmark $5 million contract agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the World Bank for the construction of a modern fisheries market in the city. The deal, part of the Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project (RUSLP), was finalized on October 10, 2025, marking a major step toward improving market infrastructure and promoting economic growth in Kenema and Makeni.
The ambitious project, awarded to Ambitious Construction Company, is expected to transform Kenema’s urban and commercial landscape by providing traders with modern facilities, boosting livelihoods, and enhancing the city’s overall resilience. The fisheries market will serve as a central hub for economic activity, benefiting hundreds of fish traders, processors, and residents across the district.
Residents have praised the city’s Mayor, Thomas Baio, for his outstanding leadership and relentless advocacy in securing the project. Many described the development as a testament to his commitment to advancing Kenema’s growth and improving living standards.
“Our Mayor always puts the people first, and this $5 million project is proof of his dedication to our city’s progress,” one resident said during celebrations following the signing ceremony.
Mayor Baio’s continuous efforts to attract major development investments have earned widespread admiration, with locals crediting him for championing Kenema’s inclusion in national and international infrastructure initiatives.
In a related development, the Makeni Central Market project was also awarded under the same World Bank initiative to Micheletti & Company Limited, in partnership with S&H Trading Investment SL Limited, at a cost of $4.18 million. Both projects are expected to improve urban infrastructure, create jobs, and strengthen local economies in their respective regions.
As construction preparations get underway, anticipation is building among traders and residents who see the new fisheries market as a game changer for Kenema’s future.
