n Monday, 25th March 2024, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) led a delegation of government ministers, including those from the Ministries of Trade, Labour, Works, and Transport, on a tour of the ongoing construction of the Sewa Grounds Market, located adjacent to Victoria Park in Freetown.
The visit was spearheaded by NASSIT’s Director-General, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, who explained that the purpose of the tour was to provide officials with firsthand insights into the progress of the project. He emphasized that the market was in its final stages and would soon be commissioned by President Julius Maada Bio, who has shown keen interest in its development as a strategic initiative to boost commerce and improve market infrastructure in the capital.
Architect Abel Onomake, the Sewa Grounds Market Project Manager, expressed gratitude to NASSIT and the visiting officials for their engagement in the pre-commissioning process. He detailed the modern features incorporated into the construction, including CCTV surveillance systems, extensive water storage facilities, and a variety of warehouses and shops tailored to accommodate different business operations. He further highlighted the expansive nature of the market, revealing that the structure covers an area equivalent to two combined football pitches and is designed to host over 2,500 traders.
Among the key dignitaries present was the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, who, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, showered accolades on both NASSIT and Architect Abel Onomake for their commitment to the project. He described the architect as “a celebrity” for successfully delivering such an ambitious project, which he deemed a testament to the government’s dedication to infrastructural development.
Minister Swaray went on to commend NASSIT for its proactive role in financing and overseeing the construction, noting that the institution has demonstrated its capacity to undertake transformative projects that directly benefit the people of Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence in reporting to President Bio that the directive to construct a modern market for traders had been effectively fulfilled, with the project now 99% complete and awaiting commissioning.
Furthermore, the Labour Minister acknowledged the market’s well-thought-out infrastructure and commended NASSIT for integrating crucial elements that ensure efficiency and security for traders. He emphasized the importance of proper facility management, urging authorities to implement measures that encourage market users to maintain and preserve the facilities for long-term sustainability.
Minister Swaray also reiterated that the Sewa Grounds Market aligns with the government’s broader vision of providing conducive business environments that support economic growth and employment. He urged traders and potential occupants to embrace the market as a space for prosperity, assuring them that the government remains committed to their welfare and business success.
The tour concluded with a renewed sense of anticipation for the market’s official commissioning, which is expected to take place soon under the auspices of President Bio. As the finishing touches are applied, stakeholders remain optimistic that the Sewa Grounds Market will stand as a symbol of modern urban development and economic empowerment in Freetown.