Infrastructure development: reflections on Sierra Leone infrastructure scheme and the Lungi Bridge project

Abstract

Purpose The Government of Sierra Leone has launched a strategic plan 2019–2022 that includes a large focus on new large infrastructure. This plan includes the Lungi Bridge project, a 7-km bridge for connecting the capital city Freetown with the Lungi airport, procured with a public–private partnership (PPP) model. This study aims to reflect on seven issues regarding the plan implementation and the procurement of the Lungi Bridge project. Design/methodology/approach This study uses case study analysis (Sierra Leone’s infrastructure plan), in which existing literature and expertise is applied to discuss/reflect the implications for the future. Findings Among other reflections, this study addresses the benefits and risks of using a PPP option with non-sovereign guarantee, off-balance sheet treatment and a special purpose vehicle for multiple projects; this study also discusses the social risk of misperceiving the bridge as a basic essential transport option (non-voluntary). Practical implications The reflective process can contribute significantly to policymakers in Sierra Leone and its neighbour countries, as it is a contextualised analysis for the country. Originality/value Many studies have addressed existing PPP projects and contexts for low-income countries. However, to best of the author’s knowledge, the analysis of a single government infrastructure plan has not been addressed. Moreover, for the Sierra Leone’s context, this is unique.