By Christian.conteh@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Government of Sierra Leone spent a staggering Le4.75 billion on Road Rehabilitation in 2023, making it the single most expensive procurement category for the year despite having just 58 procurement actions. This figure dwarfs spending on other capital and recurrent procurement areas and highlights the country’s significant infrastructure investment drive amid a challenging fiscal environment.
According to procurement data for 2023, road-related infrastructure topped the list in terms of total value, even though Building Construction (44 procurement actions) consumed Le1.41 billion, and Building Maintenance & Small Works (157 actions) absorbed another Le1.54 billion.
The public health sector also commanded notable expenditure. Medical Drugs, Equipment, Consumables & Reagents accounted for Le260.5 million across 43 procurements, reflecting ongoing efforts to bolster medical services.
Meanwhile, Office Supplies and Stationery continued to rank high in frequency, with 480 procurement actions for office stationery totaling Le423.8 million, and 38 procurements of office supplies totaling Le6.6 million.
Despite only 26 procurement actions, Uniforms consumed a surprising Le126.1 million, while Solar Equipment & Maintenance, with 34 transactions, drew Le87.6 million, indicating increased attention to renewable energy solutions.
Notably, Agricultural Crops, Inputs & Seeds, a vital component for food security, received only Le81 million through 43 procurements far less than administrative costs like Printing Services, which drew Le804.9 million over 330 transactions.
The figures provide a revealing snapshot of the government’s fiscal priorities in 2023 an ambitious mix of infrastructure development, health investments, and day-to-day operational support—though not without questions regarding efficiency and value for money. CC/9/6/2025
