Parliament Pushes Government to Support Kent Harbour Project

Members of Parliament have urged the Government of Sierra Leone to provide stronger support for the proposed Kent Harbour and Port Project, saying additional port capacity is needed to ease congestion at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, boost trade and increase domestic revenue.

The call was made during Parliament’s consideration and approval of presidential nominees, including newly approved Minister of Finance Karefa A.F. Kargbo. Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Hon. Kekura Vandi, questioned the continued delay in establishing another port and encouraged lawmakers to visit Kent to assess progress while urging Government to meet its obligations under the project agreement.

Opposition Chief Whip and APC MP Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara also supported the project, noting that congestion at the existing quay is creating difficulties for importers and exporters. He said improved port infrastructure could facilitate trade, attract investment, increase revenue and create economic opportunities.

Other lawmakers described the Kent project as an important opportunity to expand Sierra Leone’s maritime infrastructure and generate employment in transportation, logistics, shipping and related sectors.

The project is being developed by the Gento Group of Companies under a concession agreement with the Government. Parliament ratified the agreement in July 2024 for the development and operation of a seaport within the Dublin and Ricket communities of Banana Island, alongside a logistics hub and harbour terminal at Kent.

The Kent facility is expected to complement the larger Banana Island seaport by providing additional cargo-handling and logistics capacity, including support for the construction and future operations of the Banana Island port.

The project has gained renewed attention following recent Government visits to the site and expressions of support for its potential to reduce pressure on the Queen Elizabeth II Quay. President Julius Maada Bio has also commended progress on the project and its potential contribution to economic growth.

The parliamentary push comes as Sierra Leone seeks to increase domestic revenue mobilisation and expand economic activity. Lawmakers believe improved maritime infrastructure could reduce constraints on imports and exports while creating opportunities for investment and employment.

However, any direct Government financial support would have to be considered within the existing concession agreement and the project’s financing obligations.

MPs are now urging the new Finance Minister and Government to give serious consideration to the Kent project and determine how the State can support its progress, placing the initiative among the infrastructure projects receiving increased attention as Sierra Leone seeks to strengthen its maritime capacity, trade and revenue base.