*Communications Unit – MCC*
*11th May 2025*
On Saturday, 10th May 2025, Makeni City Council in partnership with the Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project (RUSLP) and the Environmental Protection Agency of Sierra Leone (EPA-SL), hosted a public disclosure session for the Draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report concerning the proposed upgrade of the Makeni Central Market. The engagement, held at the Makeni City Council Hall, brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs, members of the Traders Union, and Senior GovernmentOfficials.
During the session, EPA’s Deputy Director, Solomon George, emphasized the importance of the public disclosure process in ensuring transparency, stakeholder awareness, and community acceptance.
“Implementation of this project will involve the demolition of structures and relocation of certain individuals, which may bring discomfort,” Mr. George noted. “However, this ESIA report outlines measures to manage these impacts, ensuring a win-win for all parties involved.”
Paramount Chief Massa Yeli Tham III of Gbanti Chiefdom in Bombali District expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone and its development partner, the World Bank, for supporting the project.
“Makeni is a city and deserves infrastructure that reflects its status,” he said. “The completion of this market upgrade will significantly enhance the city’s image and contribute to national economic growth.”
He also called for continued engagement with landowners, noting that the market sits on land generously provided by local residents who must be respected and included throughout the process.
Makeni City Council’s Chief Administrator, Daniel Kpukumu, commended the EPA for its commitment to environmental safety and community wellbeing.
“The public disclosure of this ESIA report reflects the agency’s transparency and dedication to minimizing hazards,” he stated. “We are grateful to the Government and our donor partners, particularly the Ministry of Finance and the World Bank, for moving this vital project closer to reality. Our traders and residents are eager to see it completed.”
Following the presentation of the draft ESIA report, participants were invited to ask questions and seek clarifications. The session fostered open dialogue, ensuring that environmental and social considerations remain central to the project.
To conclude the session, stakeholders and traders were asked to vote on whether to grant a construction license to RUSLP for the market upgrade. In a show of strong support, the majority voted in favor. Traders praised the Council for its leadership and expressed high hopes for a timely and successful project completion.
