Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a bold declaration that underscores the gravity of the ongoing crisis at the country’s main port, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) has officially declared the congestion at Queen Elizabeth II Quay a national emergency. This urgent call to action comes amidst mounting concerns over the detrimental impact of port congestion on workers, businesses, road safety, and the broader economy. The Labour Congress’s recent visit to the Gento Group of Companies Kent Port construction site has further amplified the need for swift government intervention to expedite the completion of the new Kent Harbour and Logistics Port.
Freetown’s Queen Elizabeth II Quay has long served as the economic lifeline of Sierra Leone, facilitating the movement of goods, trade, and commerce. However, over the years, the port has become overwhelmed by increasing demand, driven by a surge in business activities and economic growth. As a result, congestion has reached alarming levels, causing severe disruptions across various sectors.
Long queues of container-laden trucks clog the roads leading to and from the port, causing traffic jams that stretch for miles. These gridlocks not only hinder the efficient movement of goods but also pose significant safety risks, with accidents becoming more frequent in affected areas. Moreover, the congestion has impacted the daily lives of thousands of workers who commute through these clogged routes, arriving late or stressed, which inevitably affects productivity and morale.
The backlog at the port has also slowed down the clearance of imports and exports, creating bottlenecks that threaten to stifle economic growth. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which rely heavily on timely importation of goods, are particularly hard-hit, experiencing increased costs and delays. For the average Sierra Leonean, this translates into higher prices for goods, reduced access to essential commodities, and a general decline in economic well-being.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Sierra Leone Labour Congress took decisive action by officially declaring the congestion at Queen Elizabeth II Quay a national emergency. The decision was announced during a high-profile visit to the ongoing Gento Group of Companies Seaport project, situated at Kent Harbour, which is being developed as an alternative port facility aimed at alleviating pressure on the existing port infrastructure.
Mohamed Sallieu Bangura, President of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), led the delegation that visited the construction site. In his remarks, he emphasized that wherever congestion persists, it must be treated as an emergency requiring immediate attention. “This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about the economy, workers’ welfare, and the safety of our citizens,” Bangura stated. “We cannot allow this crisis to continue unchecked. It is an emergency that demands urgent intervention.”
The Labour Congress’s declaration underscores a shift in the national dialogue from viewing port congestion as a logistical issue to recognizing it as an economic and social crisis that demands swift and decisive action. The Congress is now calling on the government to prioritize the completion of the Gento Port project, which is designed to serve as a vital complement to the existing port, thereby diversifying Sierra Leone’s maritime infrastructure.
The Gento Port project, also known as the Kent Harbour and Logistics Port, has been under construction for several years. It is envisioned as a modern, state-of-the-art facility capable of handling large volumes of cargo, reducing congestion at the Freetown port, and supporting the country’s economic ambitions.
The project is estimated to cost around US$75 million, with approximately US$30 million already spent. However, financial constraints have slowed progress, leaving an estimated US$45 million still needed to complete the port. The project developer, Mohamed Gento Kamara, explained that much of the required machinery, equipment, and skilled manpower are already in place, which could significantly reduce the cost and time needed to finish the project if adequate funding is secured.
Kamara highlighted that the completion of Gento Port is not just about infrastructure but also about economic resilience. “This port will serve as a crucial asset, not only easing congestion but also creating employment opportunities and supporting urban development,” he said. “The delay in completing this project is costing the country dearly in terms of lost productivity, safety, and economic growth.”
The Labour Congress has made a clear and compelling appeal to the Sierra Leonean government to prioritize the Gento Port project. During their visit, both President Bangura and Secretary-General Max Conteh called for immediate financial and policy support to accelerate the project’s completion.
Conteh emphasized that the government’s mid-term budget had already acknowledged the importance of expanding port capacity, with the former Minister of Finance highlighting the need for additional ports. “The time to act is now,” Conteh urged. “Without a second port, our economy will continue to be hampered by congestion, delays, and safety risks. We need decisive government support to bridge the financing gap and bring this project to fruition.”
The Labour leaders also expressed concern about the safety risks posed by the current congestion, especially in the eastern parts of Freetown, where heavy container traffic has increased the likelihood of accidents and posed threats to residents’ safety. They stressed that a failure to act swiftly would only exacerbate these risks and deepen the economic damage.
The impacts of port congestion are far-reaching. For workers, the delays mean longer commutes, increased stress, and reduced productivity. Many employees have reported arriving at work late or exhausted due to traffic jams caused by container trucks moving in and out of the port areas.
For businesses, particularly importers and exporters, the delays translate into increased operational costs, loss of revenue, and reduced competitiveness. Small traders and entrepreneurs often find themselves unable to meet deadlines, which can lead to financial losses and even business closures.
Road users across Freetown and its environs bear the brunt of this crisis, with traffic congestion leading to increased fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear, and heightened risk of accidents. The situation has also raised concerns about public safety, especially in densely populated neighborhoods where heavy trucks pass through narrow streets.
Furthermore, the broader economy suffers from this bottleneck. Sierra Leone’s economic growth projections are at risk if port congestion persists, as trade volumes stagnate and investor confidence wanes. The government’s revenue collection, which is partly dependent on port activities, could also decline as delays reduce throughput and customs efficiency.
The Labour Congress’s declaration of an emergency underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, swift government intervention is essential to secure the remaining funding for the Gento Port project. This could involve reallocation of budget resources, engaging development partners, or exploring public-private partnerships to mobilize the necessary capital.
Secondly, there is a need for immediate operational reforms at the existing port to improve efficiency. This could include streamlining customs procedures, enhancing port management, and introducing technology-driven solutions to reduce turnaround times for ships and trucks.
Thirdly, urban planning and traffic management strategies should be implemented to mitigate congestion around port areas. Creating designated routes for heavy trucks, improving road infrastructure, and expanding parking facilities can help alleviate some of the traffic pressure in the short term.
Lastly, the government must recognize port development as a national priority, integrating it into broader economic and infrastructure policies aimed at fostering sustainable growth. The Gento Port project should be fast-tracked with clear timelines, accountability measures, and transparency to ensure timely completion.
