By Sahrfoa Matturie
The Makeni City Council, in collaboration with the World Bank, has officially handed over a site for the construction of an ultra-modern market in Makeni.
The ceremony took place on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at the Council Hall on Dr. Vincent Kanu Road and was attended by representatives of the traders’ union and other key stakeholders within the municipality.
Welcoming partners and guests, the Mayor of Makeni, Abubakarr Lambtales Kamara, expressed appreciation for the intervention and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project. He noted that Makeni continues to witness steady growth in commerce and business activities, making the development of a modern market facility both timely and necessary.
Mayor Kamara disclosed that the project is expected to be completed within 24 months. An additional six months has been allocated for the construction of a temporary market facility to accommodate traders who will be relocated from the current site before the main construction begins.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Sahr Saquee Gbondo of Micheletti – S&H JY assured stakeholders of the company’s expertise and commitment to quality delivery. He emphasized that while he may be new to Makeni, his firm has extensive experience executing similar government infrastructure projects across Sierra Leone and will adhere strictly to the agreed timeline.
The ultra-modern market forms part of a US$9.5 million funding package approved by the World Bank to support market infrastructure development in both Makeni and Kenema.
Samuel Conteh, representing the Traders Union, welcomed the initiative, stating that the new facility will improve trading conditions and stimulate economic growth within the municipality.
Also addressing the gathering, Paramount Chief Mansaili Ntham pledged community support for the project, noting that local cooperation will be essential in safeguarding the infrastructure throughout the construction phase and after completion.
Once completed, the ultra-modern market is expected to enhance commercial activities, improve urban planning standards, and contribute significantly to Makeni’s broader economic transformation.
