As Work on Fish Harbour Project Set to Commence, MFMR Hands Over Contractors to Affected Communities.

In a significant step toward launching the Chinese Government-funded Modern Fish Harbour Project at Black Johnson, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has formally introduced the construction team to the local communities. The presentation, which took place on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, underscores the Ministry's commitment to ensuring full community involvement from the outset. Affected residents from Tokeh, Big Water, and Black Johnson in the Western Rural District of Freetown attended the event.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, highlighted the project's importance. She explained that the engagement was designed to foster a closer collaborative relationship between the new contractors and the community. Minister Dugba assured attendees of the project's successful rollout, characterizing the meeting as a crucial step forward.

“This is not just a prelude to construction,” she stated, “but a genuine opportunity for community members to participate fully in the project's implementation.” The minister also detailed the various amenities and opportunities the development is expected to bring, while appealing for ongoing local cooperation and support.

Chairing the event, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Brima Kebbie, provided a background for the initiative. He clarified that the project is the result of a bilateral agreement between the Governments of Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China, establishing the formal framework for the collaboration.

As a traditional gesture of goodwill, the Project Manager from CRCC Harbour and Channel Engineering Bureau Group of Companies, Jin Xiaodong, presented the communities with a cash donation and a consignment of assorted food items.

He described the ceremony as a clear “demonstration of the regard and respect we have for the communities in which we work.” Mr. Jin confirmed that the company is now finalizing arrangements to mobilize machinery to the site, signaling that physical work is imminent. He expressed strong confidence in his team's capabilities, assuring residents that they would deliver high-quality work.

A representative from the Law Officers Department, Yusuf Isaac Sesay, addressed the legal framework surrounding the project. He outlined the steps and procedures the government has undertaken to ensure all processes are lawful and transparent. Mr. Sesay encouraged community members to actively engage with and benefit from the opportunities the project will create.

In response, community representatives expressed their gratitude to the government for recognizing them as integral stakeholders. They pledged their full support to ensure the project's success and shared their hope that it would bring broad-based benefits and positive development to all residents.

Correspondent-Fatima Fofanah

SLENA-MFMR