Sierra Leone

Worshippers, Clergymen, Friends, and members of Rhema Voice Chapel International in Freetown Sierra Leone, gathered to witness the historic “Turning of Sod” for the building of a magnificent church in the honour of God.

The service was based on the gospel from the book of 1 Chronicles chapter 22 verses 2-5 which in paraphrase , signifies how David gathered strangers to wrought stones to build the house of God.

It was a historic moment when the General overseas of the Apostle John Boateng, in the presence of the crowd, lifted prayers for the Sod Turning Service, and backed with the laying of 12 stones by Clergymen, worshipers, and guests in attendance representing the twelve tribes of Isreal.

The proposed Church Cathedral, no doubt shows the Glory of God upon Rhema Voice Chapel International and how far it has stood the test of time over the years.

A digital review of the structure is a clear indication of what to expect after the project, and it promises to be one of the best places of worship in Freetown, Sierra Leone in terms of architectural design.

The Government of Sierra Leone last Tuesday signed the Pepel Port and Pepel – Tonkolili Railway Development, Expansion and Management lease agreement with a company called ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd.

According to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba, this agreement is part of the bigger reforms in the mining sector, where the government intends to open the space for more players to participate.

He furthered that ARISE IIP is a credible company with a reputation for developing and managing infrastructure in Africa. “This agreement is taking a government asset from monopoly to be more accessible” he added.

Minister Kabba said that the revival of the mining operation requires significant investment in infrastructure for the country to fully benefit from the growth of its mining output.

This lease agreement will give a 10% free Carry to the Government of Sierra Leone and provide access to rail and port facilities to other bulk mineral producers in the northern corridor.

The project will expand economic activities by providing jobs for Sierra Leoneans and enable passengers’ locomotion from Tonkolili through Bombali to the Port Loko district.

Through this agreement, the company will also introduce passenger rail service that provides communities with improved mobility and trade access, increase mineral export with an additional 20 million MT, 10% dividend to Government, surface rent to landowners, annual royalties, PAYE, and other taxes.

Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura said that ARISE IIP is a sector specialist firm with a proven record across Africa in managing infrastructure.

Stating that they are signing this agreement after several consultations, due diligence, and approval from the cabinet with concurrence from the Ministry of Finance.

He furthered that this agreement is in the best interest of the government and people of Sierra Leone and that after the signing, the agreement will be taken to parliament for ratification.

The business plan, financial model, and pre-feasibility studies are estimating a total investment of 476 million dollars covering the refurbishment of the Pepel Tonkolili Railway work, Pepel Port, Railway connectivity to Marampa mines, the introduction of passenger rail services and rail connection to Guinea.

Signing for ARISE IIP, Managing Director, Jesper Harring Boll stated that ARISE is a conceiver, developer, and operator of high-added-value infrastructure committed to making Africa thrive with an investment of several billion dollars and a good track record across many countries in Africa like Benin, Togo, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Tchad, RoC, DRC or Rwanda.

He said that ARISE IIP identifies gaps in African countries that unlock value and create new industries to create local transformation and maximize production, efficiency, and cost to generate growth and local value addition.