By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
Sierra Leone’s US$50 million, 150-bed Riyadh Referral Hospital project has moved a step closer to implementation following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador H.E. Mohamed S. Barrie met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development, H.E. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, on Sunday at the SFD headquarters in Riyadh. The discussions focused on accelerating ongoing projects and unlocking new investments in health, energy, education and mining.
A key item on the agenda was the Riyadh Referral Hospital, a flagship healthcare facility fully funded by the Saudi Fund. Ambassador Barrie formally presented details of the revised project site. The 150-bed specialist hospital is expected to significantly expand access to advanced medical services across the country.
CEO Al-Marshad commended the progress on SFD’s portfolio in Sierra Leone, noting that about 80 percent of current projects are nearing completion. These include two education projects. He added that borehole drilling works have reached roughly 40 percent completion.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation. As an immediate step, the Government of Sierra Leone will submit a Request for Proposals for consultancy services on the hospital project for the Fund’s review and approval.
The Saudi Fund also expressed interest in supporting mining and energy initiatives. Ambassador Barrie said he will engage the Ministries of Energy and Mines to identify viable projects and prepare bankable proposals for SFD consideration.
To strengthen bilateral engagement, the Ambassador will coordinate a visit by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Energy to Riyadh for meetings with the SFD CEO and Saudi officials in charge of energy and mines.
Talks also covered the proposed NPRA Tank Farm Project, with the SFD CEO indicating interest in supporting it. At Ambassador Barrie’s invitation, Mr. Al-Marshad expressed willingness to visit Sierra Leone soon to assess ongoing projects firsthand.
Ambassador Barrie thanked the Saudi Fund for its continued support and reaffirmed government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency and timely delivery of all jointly funded projects.
Both parties expressed confidence that the Riyadh Referral Hospital and other initiatives will improve public service delivery and the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans.
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