The Chinese Loan agreement for the Wilberforce Barracks has been approved by both the Chinese and Sierra Leonean government on Tuesday. The feasibility studies for the rehabilitation of the Wilberforce Military Barracks in Freetown by Chinese technicians have successfully ended, and the loan has been approved. The Chinese government has been working with the military to rehabilitate the 34 military hospital that has been widely applauded as it now has a 10 bed tropical centre with a level 2 lab. It has also been confirmed that the Chinese government has made special arrangements for the $30 million loan application for the Optical Fibre Network phase two project which has already been approved and work will commence within three weeks once the Ministry of Finance is done with the loan deal, Ambassador Hu said.
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Amb. Hu disclosed that the feasibility studies for the rehabilitation of Wilberforce Military Barracks, which houses the Hockey Pitch and 34 Military Hospital in Freetown, and that for the construction of the Foreign Service Academy were already complete, adding that the bidding processes would soon commence. The Chinese Ambassador told the President that the first two consignments of 2,000 tons of food aid for the needy promised by China have arrived in Freetown and were being delivered. He said another 1,500 tons of food support would arrive within a few days, while 3,400 tons would arrive later. The Ambassador said in terms of improving the capability of receiving State Guests, his government is considering to help set up a VVIP Convoy with bikes, cars and support cars. “I want to tell you Mr President that these items will be delivered by February 2020, and we are also looking at the rehabilitation of the VIP Lounge at the Lungi International Airport.” The Chinese Ambassador also said that as a way of improving the human capital development, which is the flagship program of the New Direction government, Chinese universities will accept 100 new students from Sierra Leone, more than 30 military officers to study in China and will offer over 700 Chinese short courses by end of the year. Ambassador Hu said Marine Researchers and a research vessel from China are in Freetown. The team he said arrived on Monday, to conduct research in the territorial waters of Sierra Leone for the Ministry of Fisheries. “The reason for them to come is to quantify and generate comprehensive statistics report on the available fish species and fish stock. The survey will aid the Fisheries Ministry in making informed management decisions later.” In his response, President Bio expressed happiness for receiving the Chinese Ambassador to discuss issues relating to the two countries’ current and future projects. “I am happy with the development of ongoing projects, the Fibre Optic extension which is visible, the food aid, VVIP Convoy, the rehabilitation of the Wilberforce Military Barracks, and improving on the number of Sierra Leonean students. We think this falls in line with the government’s human capital development agenda. As true friends we will also work together to further our development in other areas.” Ambassador Hu also paid a visit to the Mayor of Freetown and commended her for her Transform Freetown project that he said will they support to beautify the city. The Mayor thanked the Ambassador and his government for all what they have been doing to help Sierra Leone and said the garbage trucks were of immense value to Sierra Leone.
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