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

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

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.