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TRANSPORTATION SECTOR
In 1970 there were more than 580 km (360miles) of railway, but by the end of 1975, following an IBRD recommendation, Sierra Leone had dismantled most of its rail system and replaced it with new roadways. Since the mid-1980s, only 84 km (52miles) of narrow-gauge railway has remained, connecting the closed iron mines at Marampa with the port of Pepel, on the Sierra Leone River. The line remains operable but is in limited use. In 2002, Sierra Leone had about 11,700 km (7,270miles) of roads, of which some 936 km (582miles) were paved. In 2000, there were 35,900 registered motor vehicles, including 20,100 automobiles, and 1,580 commercial vehicles.
Freetown has one of the finest natural harbors in the world, with an excellent deep water quay, built in 1953. In1970, work was completed on an extension that provides the port with berth facilities for six to eight ships and about 24 hectares (60 acres) of storage area. Pepel specializes in the export of iron ore, and Point Sam, the Sherbro River Terminal, handles bauxite and rutile. Bonthe and Sulima are other Ports. Sierra Leone has many rivers, however, some are navigable only over shot distances for about three months of the year, during the rainy season. Of the 800 km (497miles) of waterways, 600 km (373 miles) are navigable year round.
There are few private bus services that link major towns in Sierra Leone. Government in recent times decided to open up the public transport service for private sector participation. To actualize this, the Government through the World Bank support acquired fifty (50) public transport buses to operate in two corridors in the Western Area and transformed the mandate of the Government bus operator from such status to a regulator.
Opportunities
Intra-city, provincial buses, and intercountry travels
Most of the intra-city buses in the capital city and other cities in the country are run by private individuals, but at a very small scale. On the other hand, almost all of the provincial bus and intercountry transportation between neighbouring countries remain as a huge potential for private investment. The new SLPTA with its new public transport regulator mandate is working on ways to improve the transportation sector in the country, and help private transport operators make healthy profits.
Sea Transportation Vehicles
There is a need for a reliable, safe and less expensive sea transportation system in Sierra Leone, a large proportion of people who commute from Lungi to the mainland risk their lives on a daily basis, because of the lack of a reliable form of transportation. An investment on ferries and smaller passenger boats is needed. Passenger boats will also be used for tourism purposes (island hopping and other leisure activities. Passenger boats can also be used to transport people to neighboring countries, this can be a cheaper or more reliable alternative.
Spare Parts and vehicle repairs, and maintenance
Investing in importation or manufacturing of vehicle spare parts, vehicle repairs and maintenance will help boost the sector. Companies investing in this sub-sector will see a healthy growth margin, especially when following investments in intra-city, provincial buses, intercountry travels and sea transportation vessels. Such companies can also get government contracts for the maintenance and repairs of government owned vehicles.
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