His Excellency, President Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio yesterday Wednesday 27th November 2024 officially opened the newly constructed Transit Transport Terminal at the Wash Car, Lumley in Freetown. The opening of the terminal is part of the $US52M (Fifty-two million dollar) project which included the transit transport terminal, ‘waka-fine’ buses, traffic signal light system, foot-bridge and the ongoing construction of the Lumley market respectively.

Giving the keynote address, President Bio said that the opening of the terminal marks a significant mile stone towards a more efficient, inclusive sustainable transport terminal and the traffic signal system which is geared towards economic growth and enhances public safety.

 

He said the project also focuses to achieve a critical drive towards infrastructural development pointing out that the project is a World Bank and government funded initiative which was approved in June 2019. He emphasized the importance attached to the transport sector which is why his government was able to identify the challenges the people are facing in the transport sector. 

 

President Bio further disclosed that his government is fully aware of the poor transport and traffic systems which have reduced positive economic activities thereby affecting the well being of citizens. “Although 63 percent of commuters using the ‘Waka-fine’ buses are mostly women and the terminal will also enhance connectivity amongst the transport sector, hence the effective movement of goods and businesses of citizen.

 

He further disclosed that the terminal is designed to promote safety environmental sustainability and accessibility inclusive of disable and at the same time reduce congestion and enhances road safety thereby embracing smart urban transportation solutions.

He urged citizens and the residents of the Lumley community to take full responsibility of the terminal which is beneficial to all and sundry.

 

World Bank Representative underscored the importance of the transit transport terminal in improviing the lives of citizens. He said that the World Bank has funded major projects which amounting to one billion united state dollars including Agriculture, Education, Health and among others. He said that World Bank is also one of the funders of the Integrated Urban Mobility Project which aims to reduce the burden on citizens thereby improving economic growth.

He assured the government that World Bank is committed to continue supporting national development and many other governance infrastructural development.

 

In his remarks, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay described President Bio as a visionary leader who advocated for the Integrated Urban Mobility Project to the World Bank in a bid to transform Sierra Leone and the transport sector. 

 

He said that the project stands to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans through the ‘Waka-fine’ buses, foot-bridge, transit transport terminal, traffic signal light and the soon complete Lumley market.