Deputy Minister Inspects Transformational ECOWAS Market in Wai Village.

In a significant step toward regional economic integration, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams, conducted a high-level inspection of the rapidly rising ECOWAS Market in Wai Village on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, Pujehun District.

The visit, buzzing with a sense of purpose and anticipation, underscores the government's commitment to turning vision into tangible progress for the people of Sorogbema Chiefdom.

Flanked by senior officials from the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, Immigration, and his own team at MoPED, Rev. Dr. Williams assessed the construction site firsthand. This market is far more than a local project; it is a crucial pillar of both the ECOWAS vision for cross-border prosperity and Sierra Leone’s National Medium-Term Development Plan. Its timely completion promises to unlock unprecedented economic opportunities, fueling growth and strengthening ties across the region.

On the ground, the Deputy Minister issued a powerful, community-focused directive. He passionately urged the contractors to not only uphold the highest construction standards but to deeply engage local labor and expertise. “This project must be built by and for the people,” he emphasized, stressing that its benefits must be sustainable and transformative for Wai and all surrounding villages.

Echoing this sentiment, Ing. Alphajo Bah from the Ministry of Works underscored the non-negotiable need for quality materials and inclusive community development. In a decisive move to maintain momentum, Rev. Dr. Williams called for an immediate meeting between the contractors and MoPED officials to ensure every effort is aligned for an efficient and durable finish.

Rev. Dr. Williams also rallied the community, appointing them as vital guardians of their own future. “You are the watchdogs of this project,” he declared, encouraging vigilant local surveillance to protect building materials and ensure community ownership. The message was clear: the Wai Market is poised to be a game-changer, revolutionizing livelihoods and placing Sorogbema Chiefdom at the heart of regional commerce.

The air in Wai Village is now charged with the promise of a bustling economic hub, marking a thrilling chapter in Sierra Leone’s development journey.

Correspondent-John Farfira Kamara

Ministry of Planning and Economic Development

Email: johnfarfirakamara@gmail.com

Tel:+23279285532