The government of the Republic of Sierra Leone has launched tenders for a $2 billion bridge project in West Africa, the largest in the country’s history.
Last week, the government launched a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) to invite potential international bidders, according to InfraPPP. The concession period is 35 years. Five European and Asian companies have reportedly already expressed interest.
The 8-kilometer-long Lungi Bridge would span the length of Tagrin Bay, connecting the Government Wharf in Freetown to the Lungi Airport in northern Sierra Leone.
The bridge will be developed and later maintained under PPP procurement “build, own, operate and transfer” business model, with the concessionaire recovering investment costs through toll charges on the bridge.
Last year, president of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Maada Bio was in talks with PowerChina over the financing and construction, but they were unable to agree to terms, according to media sources.
The project is expected to be completed in four to six years, with a 120-year design life for the bridge.
