AYV News, March 31, 2026
Dr. Eldred Taylor, Chairman of the Office of the Presidential Infrastructure Initiative, presided over a critical meeting of the Project Management Technical Committee (PMTC) for the Lungi Hotel, Congress Centre, and Presidential Villas Construction Project at the Chief Minister’s Conference Room, State House.
During the session, Dr. Taylor commended President Julius Maada Bio for initiating the transformative infrastructure project, describing it as a strategic move to promote regional integration and position Sierra Leone as a competitive destination for tourism and high-level international engagements.
He emphasized that, while the project comprises three components, the immediate priority is to expedite the completion of the Congress Centre and Presidential Villas in time for the upcoming ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State in June 2026.
“President Bio is committed to delivering this project because he wants to be remembered as the Chair of ECOWAS who championed regional integration, peace-building, economic diplomacy, and strategic state engagements. We must work concertedly to deliver a monumental legacy,” Dr. Taylor said.
The OPII Chairman also thanked the EPC contractor, FB Group, for its commitment, noting that the company is currently working overtime to meet project deadlines.
Government representatives reaffirmed their support during the meeting. Dr. Alhassan Mansaray of the Ministry of Finance highlighted that the project’s financing structure does not burden the national balance sheet. Mr. Richard Hindolo Senesie of the National Revenue Authority assured that his institution would expedite waivers for imported materials to facilitate timely construction.
Project Manager Ing. Tejan Abdul Tejan provided a comprehensive update, noting that active construction is ongoing across multiple components simultaneously.
The PMTC members unanimously adopted the Committee’s Terms of Reference and pledged full commitment to ensuring the project is executed within approved scope, timelines, and regulatory frameworks.
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the OPII, is advancing the development of the Lungi Hotel, Congress Centre, and Presidential Villas under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The PMTC serves as a multi-institutional technical platform tasked with coordinating delivery, providing guidance, and ensuring adherence to project objectives, regulatory requirements, and timelines.
Observers say the project is expected to enhance Sierra Leone’s infrastructure capabilities, strengthen its tourism sector, and solidify its capacity to host high-profile international events.
