In a strategic move to support President Bio’s Government’s Big Five Projects, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) recently engaged COVEC West Africa Limited, a Chinese Construction and Engineering Company, to construct an ultra-modern medical facility and student hostels. The Wednesday, 3rd April 2024 meeting saw the NASSIT Director General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, welcoming the delegation and emphasising NASSIT’s commitment to contributing to the Government’s flagship programs.
Director General Daboh highlighted NASSIT’s role as a statutory public Trust responsible for administering Sierra Leone’s National Pension Scheme. He expressed his dedication to establishing partnerships to support the construction of an ultra-modern hospital and student hostels on five university campuses nationwide. This initiative aligns with President Bio’s Big Five Projects, which are crucial for the development of Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, Dr Abu Bakarr Karim, also attended the meeting and emphasised the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and China. He introduced Ma Aiging, the Deputy Managing Director of COVEC West Africa, as part of a group of investors exploring opportunities in Sierra Leone. Ambassador Karim assured Ma Aiging of the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment environment in the country.
Ma Aiging, representing COVEC West Africa, shared the company’s extensive experience in international project contracting, foreign aid projects, and overseas industrial investment. He expressed COVEC’s interest in collaborating with NASSIT to benefit the people of Sierra Leone. The discussions focused on investment needs, funding, design, construction, and operationalisation of the proposed projects.
Mohammed Gondoe, NASSIT’s Deputy Director General in Administration, Finance, and Investment, outlined the critical intervention areas the Trust is considering, including health, tourism, and capacity building. He reiterated NASSIT’s commitment to investing in projects that contribute to the country’s well-being and development.
The meeting concluded with both parties committing to adhering to key activity timelines and working together to move the projects forward. The collaboration between NASSIT and COVEC West Africa holds great potential for advancing the Big Five Projects and fostering development in Sierra Leone. As the partnership progresses, it is expected to bring about positive outcomes for the country’s infrastructure and overall growth.
