By Joseph Momoh, D.S
FREETOWN — The Government has confirmed that construction work has started on the $55 million Julius Maada Bio Industrial Fishing Harbour at Black Johnson.
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, disclosed this during the Civic Day USA Edition held in New York, where she outlined government’s plans for the fisheries sector.
She said the project is funded by a grant from the People’s Republic of China, but clarified that the funds will not be transferred to the Sierra Leone Government as cash.
Instead, the Chinese Government will directly finance implementation through a contractor engaged to execute the works.
The harbour will comprise a jetty, waste management facilities, a marine house and a fish market, providing infrastructure to support industrial fishing and strengthen fisheries management.
Dugba said a temporary jetty is expected to be completed within two months to accommodate large fishing vessels while construction of the main harbour continues.
She added that the facility will also provide space for artisanal fishermen, while government is considering replacing wooden canoes with fibreglass boats to improve safety at sea.
According to the Minister, the harbour is expected to create jobs in boat construction and repair, technical services and other areas, while boosting Sierra Leone’s blue economy and increasing fisheries revenue.
The project formed part of development updates presented by senior government officials during the New York edition of the Civic Day Series.
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