Pavi Fort-Al Associates (SL) Limited, an indigenous Sierra Leonean road construction company, has strengthened its growing reputation across West Africa following the successful execution of a major urban road project in The Gambia.

The company, operating through its associate, Pavi Fort The Gambia, received commendations from Gambian President Adama Barrow and other senior officials for the quality of work delivered under the country’s 50-kilometre urban roads project.

President Adama Barrow formally inaugurated the road network on Saturday, September 5, 2026, during a ceremony held in Brufut, near Serrekunda. The event attracted Government officials, community leaders, residents and representatives from Sierra Leone.

Pavi Fort The Gambia secured Lot 2 of the project through a competitive bidding process in 2022. The contract covers 27.8 kilometres of roads within Brufut and forms part of the wider 50-kilometre urban roads initiative financed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Addressing a large gathering during the inauguration, President Adama Barrow praised the company for the standard of work completed in the community. He said he was impressed by the professionalism demonstrated by Pavi Fort and expressed confidence in its ability to undertake additional infrastructure projects in The Gambia.

Project Director, Ing. Joseph Raymond Sandy, disclosed that approximately 97.5 per cent of the contracted work had been completed. He said the remaining activities included installing streetlights and completing road signs and other finishing works.

Ing. Joseph Raymond Sandy expressed satisfaction with the quality of construction, noting that the new roads, drainage facilities and lighting infrastructure had significantly improved conditions in Brufut.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort, Alimu Barrie, thanked President Adama Barrow, the Government and people of The Gambia, and the leadership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for entrusting the company with the project.

Alimu Barrie also commended the company’s workers and technical team for the professionalism, discipline and commitment they demonstrated throughout the implementation process.

The head of The Gambia’s National Roads Authority similarly praised Pavi Fort for its performance and the quality of infrastructure delivered in Brufut.

Community leaders and residents said the project had transformed their surroundings by providing an improved road network, functioning drainage systems and streetlights. They noted that the development had enhanced mobility, safety and economic activity within the community.

Following its performance on the Brufut project, Pavi Fort The Gambia has reportedly been awarded another contract to construct 100 kilometres of roads in rural areas of the country.

The company is also expected to sign another major infrastructure contract in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, further extending its operations across the West African sub-region.

Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to The Gambia, Martha Kanagbo, and Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, were among the dignitaries who witnessed the inauguration.

Pavi Fort-Al Associates has continued to expand its operations beyond Sierra Leone, undertaking road and infrastructure projects in Guinea, Liberia and The Gambia.

The wholly African-owned company, headquartered in Sierra Leone, provides services covering highways, bridges, airports, real estate development, quarry operations, equipment rental and large-scale construction logistics.

Its expanding regional portfolio includes a major road concession in Liberia and the T13 Coyah–Dubréka bitumisation project in Guinea.

On December 4, 2025, the Liberian Senate unanimously approved a concession agreement granting Pavi Fort the responsibility to construct and maintain approximately 255 kilometres of strategic highways.

The US$364 million public-private partnership covers the St. Paul Bridge–Clay, Madina–Robertsport and Clay–Tubmanburg corridors. It also includes a four-lane expansion between St. Paul Bridge and Bowaterside.

Under the agreement, the Liberian Government is expected to contribute US$40 million through the National Road Fund and US$100 million from the national budget during the five-year construction period. Pavi Fort will maintain the roads for 25 years before transferring them to the state.

The concession was approved following assessments by six specialized committees of the Liberian Senate, which reviewed the technical designs, financial arrangements and the company’s record in infrastructure development.

The project is expected to improve transportation, increase regional connectivity and stimulate trade along Liberia’s western and northwestern corridors. Liberia has fewer than 1,500 kilometres of paved roads within an estimated 12,000-kilometre national road network.

Pavi Fort has also received commendation in Guinea for its implementation of the T13 Coyah–Dubréka bitumisation project, an important route connecting communities on the outskirts of Conakry with rapidly developing districts.

Before the intervention, the corridor reportedly faced severe dust pollution, traffic congestion and deteriorated road surfaces that disrupted movement and economic activities.

The project incorporates asphalt paving, drainage construction and soil reinforcement. Supervising engineers have praised the company’s deployment of modern equipment, speed of execution and adherence to required engineering standards.

Residents, transport operators and traders have reported reduced travelling time, smoother traffic flow, improved road safety and lower vehicle maintenance costs since work began on the corridor.

The upgraded road has also supported commercial activities between Coyah, Dubréka and neighbouring communities.

Beyond road construction, the company operates in quarrying, equipment rental, real estate development and large-scale project management. Its operations include the Bawa Quarry in Guinea and collaboration with public institutions such as the Sierra Leone Roads Authority.

The successful execution of the Brufut road project, together with the additional 100-kilometre contract in rural Gambia, represents another important step in Pavi Fort’s regional expansion.

With projects underway across several countries, the Sierra Leonean company is positioning itself as an emerging African infrastructure contractor capable of delivering major assignments and contributing to West Africa’s development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64250

 

The Western Area Rural District Students’ Union (WARDSU) has graduated 30 girls and young women after completing a month-long livelihood and skills-development programme designed to promote economic independence and reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence.

The graduation ceremony was held on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Western Area Rural District Council in Waterloo.

Supported by Purposeful through the MOVE Grant, the free programme equipped participants with practical skills in gara tie-dyeing, liquid and bar soap production, bead-making, bag and slipper production and other income-generating activities.

The initiative sought to help beneficiaries establish small businesses, earn sustainable income and improve their financial independence. It also supported the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations, providing participants with a collective platform to save money, access capital and invest in their enterprises.

Speaking during the ceremony, WARDSU President Memunatu Tity Sannoh assured the graduates that the union would provide start-up support to help them establish and expand their businesses.

“If we have people who have learnt skills, they will empower other people,” she said.

Sannoh congratulated the beneficiaries on completing the training and disclosed that they had established functional savings groups with leadership structures to ensure accountability and sustainability.

Executive Director of Cooperative Women for Progress and Development, Emmanuel Kailie Ellie, commended WARDSU for equipping the women with practical livelihood skills, describing the initiative as an important contribution to economic empowerment.

“WARDSU has empowered you with jobs, businesses and economic transformation. This is what we call development,” he stated.

Ellie urged the graduates to apply their knowledge, improve their livelihoods and transfer their skills to other women and girls in their communities.

Executive Director of Advocacy for Women and Youth Empowerment, Ibrahim Marvel Kamara, said skills development could address economic vulnerabilities that sometimes expose women to domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

“When you learn a skill, you become a better version of yourself,” he said, encouraging the graduates to remain focused and continue developing their abilities.

Aminata Sesay, Founder of the Tombo Young Female Activist Movement and one of the gara tie-dyeing facilitators, praised the participants for their commitment and progress.

“They started without any understanding, but today, I am proud to say that all the items you are seeing were made by them,” she said.

Former WARDSU President Eric Scientist Koroma encouraged the graduates to pay attention to branding and use social media and other digital platforms to market their products.

“If you want to be exceptional among others, focus on your brand,” Koroma advised.

Creative Director of Mariam’s Cake Academy, Mariama Bah, similarly urged the women to advance beyond the basic skills acquired during the programme.

“Do not just learn; upgrade yourself as a woman,” she said, while appealing to stakeholders and well-wishers to provide continued support to the beneficiaries.

Delivering the keynote address, former Western Area Rural District Councillor Ajibu Sawaneh described practical skills as essential to household stability and national development.

“As a woman with a skill, you can assist the home. Poverty is a sickness,” he stated.

Several graduates shared testimonies about the programme. Blessing Fudia Sesay said she had always wanted to learn a practical skill but lacked the necessary resources. She explained that she could now produce different types of soap.

Haja Sallamatu Kamara, a survivor of gender-based violence, said the training had enabled her to produce various bead designs. Kadiatu Gibril Kamara also disclosed that she entered the programme without any practical skills but graduated with knowledge of both gara tie-dyeing and bead-making.

WARDSU encouraged the graduates to use their skills effectively, promote their products and support one another through savings, entrepreneurship and peer engagement. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64246

 

Sierra Leone and the Republic of Guinea have moved to deepen bilateral cooperation on labour migration, worker protection and employment mobility, with particular emphasis on creating safe, orderly and lawful pathways for Sierra Leoneans seeking employment opportunities in the Arab States.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, formed part of the delegation led by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh during an official visit on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 to Conakry. Minister Koroma used the engagement to discuss emerging labour and migration concerns affecting Sierra Leonean citizens who travel through Guinea as a transit route to destinations in the Arab world.

The engagement reflects the Government of Sierra Leone’s determination to ensure that citizens can benefit from international employment opportunities without being exposed to illegal recruitment, human trafficking, exploitation and other abuses commonly associated with unregulated migration.

During discussions with Guinean authorities, Minister Koroma raised concerns over the alleged activities of illegal recruitment networks operating along the migration corridor. He stressed that stronger cooperation between Sierra Leone and Guinea would be essential to identifying unlawful practices, improving oversight and protecting citizens seeking legitimate employment abroad.

According to the Minister, labour migration should not be viewed only as a challenge. When properly regulated, he said, it can provide opportunities for economic empowerment, skills development, decent employment and improved livelihoods for workers and their families.

He therefore called for stronger coordination between the relevant institutions of both countries to establish a transparent and accountable framework for managing labour migration.

The discussions also highlighted Guinea’s strategic position as a major transit country for Sierra Leoneans travelling to the Arab States. Both governments are expected to explore measures to ensure that migrants receive accurate information, possess the required documentation and are recruited through recognised and lawful channels before beginning their journeys.

The proposed cooperation could also strengthen the exchange of information between labour and immigration authorities, improve monitoring of recruitment agencies and support efforts to identify and dismantle trafficking and illegal recruitment networks.

For Sierra Leone, the engagement forms part of a broader national commitment to promoting decent work, protecting migrant workers and managing international labour mobility responsibly. It also demonstrates the Government’s intention to build regional partnerships capable of creating safer employment opportunities for citizens while safeguarding national interests.

The Sierra Leone–Guinea initiative is being viewed as an important step towards developing a coordinated regional response to labour migration. Such cooperation could help both countries promote lawful workforce mobility, prevent exploitation and improve protection for citizens pursuing employment opportunities outside West Africa.

Continued discussions between the two neighbouring countries could provide a stronger institutional foundation for ensuring that labour migration contributes meaningfully to workers, families and national development.

The engagement also reinforces the longstanding diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations between Sierra Leone and Guinea, while signalling a shared commitment to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of migrant workers. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64242

 

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has commenced a two day validation meeting to review and validate Sierra Leone’s 2025 Vital Statistics Report, with stakeholders focusing on the quality, accuracy and reliability of data on vital events, including fertility and mortality.

The meeting, which started from Thursday September 10 2026 and will end today, Friday 11 September, 2026, brought together representatives from Government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to examine the processes, data quality and analysis underpinning the country’s vital statistics.

The opening day focused on the background and objectives of the validation exercise, processes and procedures for vital events registration, metadata and data quality, as well as the analysis of vital statistics data.

Speaking at the meeting, NCRA Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, said the validation exercise is important to strengthening the country’s civil registration and vital statistics system and ensuring that the information generated could support national development.

The DG said the production of reliable vital statistics required effective collaboration among Government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders involved in collecting, managing and using data.

He explained that NCRA had been working with relevant institutions and partners to strengthen the civil registration and vital statistics system, noting that credible data is essential for evidence based decision making, policy formulation and the implementation of effective interventions.

According to him, the need for the validation exercise is also linked to the different sources from which Government institutions obtain information. He noted that relying on data from multiple external sources could create inconsistencies if the information was not properly coordinated, assessed and validated.

He stressed the importance of Sierra Leone taking greater ownership and leadership of data generated through its national civil registration operations.

He said a stronger national system would enable government and its development partners to have access to credible, consistent and nationally owned information for planning and decision making.

The NCRA Director General further explained that the validation process would enable stakeholders to examine the available data, identify gaps and address weaknesses in the systems used to collect and manage vital statistics.

He said the two day exercise would also provide an opportunity for technical discussions, group reviews and validation of the draft statistics, particularly data relating to fertility and mortality.

The DG called on participants to actively contribute to the process, stressing that the quality of the final report would depend on the collective assessment and validation of the data by the institutions involved.

He also acknowledged the support of development partners in strengthening the initiative.

Speaking also, Kadija Kamara, Data Specialist at the Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of accurately recording births and deaths as part of efforts to improve health planning and service delivery.

She stated that every birth and every death needed to be properly recorded because vital events provide critical information for understanding the population and planning public services.

She explained that accurate vital statistics were particularly important to the health sector because they provide information needed to formulate policies, design interventions and assess the needs of different population groups.

According to her, reliable data enables health authorities to better understand population trends and make informed decisions on health programmes and interventions.

She said the Ministry of Health was interested in strengthening systems capable of producing clean, reliable and usable data, adding that improving the ability to visualise and utilise information generated through the civil registration and vital statistics system remained important.

She noted that efforts to improve the availability and quality of vital statistics were also connected to strengthening the national health information system.

She said accurate and timely information on vital events would enable the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to better plan health interventions, allocate resources and measure progress.

The validation meeting is expected to conclude with stakeholders reaching consensus on findings from the review of the 2025 vital statistics, particularly in the areas of fertility and mortality, as NCRA continues efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s civil registration and vital statistics system. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64237

 

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), in collaboration with its partners, will hold a National Peace Walk across Sierra Leone on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The nationwide event forms part of activities marking the International Day of Peace and the Commission’s five-year commitment to promoting peacebuilding, reconciliation and national cohesion.

The walk will be held under the theme: “Invest in Peace and Unity: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”

Organisers are inviting Sierra Leoneans from all communities, institutions and political backgrounds to participate as one people with a shared responsibility to protect the country’s peace and strengthen national unity.

In Freetown, participants from the eastern part of the city will assemble at Up-Gun Roundabout on Kissy Road at 8:00 a.m., while those in the western area will gather at Cotton Tree at 9:00 a.m.

The Peace Walk and float parade will proceed through the streets of Freetown before ending at Kallon Car Park, Lumley Beach. The closing ceremony will feature goodwill messages, music and other performances promoting peace and national cohesion.

The exercise will also take place simultaneously across all 16 districts, allowing communities throughout the country to participate in a collective demonstration of peace and unity. Participants outside Freetown have been encouraged to contact their respective local Peace Coalitions for information about starting points and other arrangements.

The Commission said the event is open to everyone, including young people, women, religious and traditional leaders, political actors, civil society organisations, schools, institutions, community groups, the media and persons with disabilities.

Families, friends, organisations and communities are encouraged to attend wearing white T-shirts as a symbol of peace.

According to the organizers, the walk is intended to remind citizens that peace should not only be celebrated but must also be deliberately chosen, protected and supported every day.

“On September 19, from Freetown to communities across all 16 districts, let Sierra Leone walk together,” the Commission stated.

The ICPNC called on citizens to join the event in support of peace, unity, reconciliation and national cohesion under the rallying message: “Together in Peace, United as One.”

For further information, members of the public can contact +232 76 785115 or +232 70 484971. The toll-free Peace Line is 898. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64234

 

The Government of Sierra Leone is advancing comprehensive reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s land administration system, strengthening physical planning, reducing land disputes and promoting transparent property transactions.

Speaking during a public engagement on the topic, “Land Reform: Where Are We?” at the Miatta Civic Centre, Youyi Building, in Freetown on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Dr. Turad Senesi outlined key measures being undertaken to transform the sector.

He said discussions on land administration had historically focused largely on land allocation, while other important responsibilities, particularly housing and country planning, received insufficient attention.

According to him, that imbalance contributed to widespread land disputes, unplanned settlements and poorly coordinated physical development in communities across Sierra Leone. The Government’s reform agenda, he explained, seeks to move beyond merely allocating land by ensuring that towns, cities and villages are properly planned and sustainably developed.

One of the central pillars of the reforms is development control, which is intended to ensure that construction projects comply with approved planning standards.

Dr. Turad Senesi observed that buildings in many communities had been constructed without adequate consideration for access roads, sanitation, drainage, electricity, water supply and other essential services.

He warned that such uncontrolled development could expose communities to serious risks, especially during emergencies when firefighters, ambulances and other emergency responders might be unable to reach densely populated areas because of narrow or blocked access roads.

Dr. Turad Senesi also highlighted the importance of the National Country Planning Act, describing it as a major step towards addressing Sierra Leone’s longstanding physical-planning challenges.

He noted that the previous legislation had become outdated and is no longer adequate to address the country’s current development needs. The new legal framework, he said, provides a modern foundation for planning communities and strengthening development control.

The reforms also place greater responsibility on property owners and developers. Dr. Turad Senesi stressed that acquiring land do not automatically give an individual the right to construct buildings without following established procedures.

He said developers must engage qualified professionals, conduct the necessary assessments, secure relevant approvals and ensure that their projects do not adversely affect neighbouring properties or the wider community.

Another major aspect of the reform programme is the decentralization of country-planning responsibilities. While the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning will continue to provide policy direction, legislation, regulations, monitoring and evaluation, local councils will increasingly oversee implementation within their respective communities.

Dr. Turad Senesi said councils are better positioned to perform that role because they are closer to residents and understand the particular development challenges facing their localities.

Capacity-building programmes are consequently being conducted for mayors, district council chairpersons, chief administrators, development-planning officers, finance officers and other personnel who will be directly involved in implementing the new planning framework.

Technology is also expected to play a major role in improving transparency and reducing fraudulent land transactions.

Dr. Turad Senesi explained that digital land-administration systems would help identify legitimate owners, track transactions and allow prospective buyers to verify property information before completing purchases. He said the technology could help prevent the common practice of selling the same parcel of land to multiple buyers.

The Government is also moving towards a title-registration system to provide stronger and more reliable proof of land ownership.

While a conveyance may serve as evidence that a land transaction occurred, Dr. Turad Senesi explained that a properly registered title would provide a more systematic and secure record of ownership and associated land rights. Legitimate owners would eventually receive title certificates through the registration process.

He said secured land titles could also provide broader economic benefits by enabling property owners to access financing from banks and other financial institutions. That would be particularly important for large-scale agriculture and business investments where verified ownership is required as security.

The reforms have reportedly contributed to improved revenue generation within the land sector. Dr. Turad Senesi said the Ministry’s revenue performance has increased considerably compared with previous years, partly because of stronger administrative systems and improved delivery of land-related services.

He emphasized that an efficient land sector could become an important source of national revenue and support the Government’s broader development priorities and social programmes.

Concluding, Dr. Turad Senesi described land reform as a long-term national undertaking requiring cooperation among Government institutions, local councils, developers, property owners and communities.

He urged citizens to understand the importance of proper planning, responsible land ownership and compliance with development regulations. He maintained that Sierra Leone must establish a modern, transparent and technology-driven land-administration system capable of reducing conflicts, encouraging investment and creating properly planned communities for present and future generations.

The engagement was hosted by Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, Strategic Communication Officer at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. It formed part of the Government’s ongoing public-engagement programme to educate citizens about major reforms and national development initiatives. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64231

 

Credible reports indicate that Dr Adrian Hanciles, a Freetown-based medical doctor who had been missing since Thursday, September 3, 2026, has been found dead.

Sources said police contacted his family after a public appeal seeking information about his whereabouts went viral on Wednesday evening. The family was reportedly informed that an unidentified body was being held at the Police Mortuary in Kingtom.

Police reportedly explained that the body had been recovered earlier and remained unidentified in their custody for some time. It was subsequently identified as that of Dr Adrian Hanciles.

The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death remain unclear. No detailed official statement had been issued by the relevant authorities at the time of publication, while further information is expected as investigations continue.

Before the tragic discovery, the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association had joined his family and members of the public in searching for him.

A missing-person notice bearing the Association’s logo stated that Dr Adrian Hanciles was last seen at about 8:30 a.m. on September 3 near St Mary’s Supermarket at Hillcot Junction in Freetown. He was reportedly wearing a brown shirt and trousers when he disappeared.

The notice included his photograph and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could help establish his whereabouts. His disappearance generated widespread concern among relatives, medical practitioners and other members of the public.

The appeal was subsequently circulated widely across social media and other public platforms. According to sources, the increased public attention prompted communication between the police and the family, eventually leading to the identification of the body.

News of his death has brought the search to a tragic end and left his family, colleagues and the wider medical community in mourning.

The authorities are expected to investigate how Dr Adrian Hanciles died and the circumstances under which his body was recovered. Members of the public are encouraged to avoid speculation until the police or his family provides verified details concerning the incident. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64228