Freetown, Sierra Leone. 13th October, 2026– The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has conducted a special monitoring exercise of four BADEA-funded education projects following authorisation by the Minister of Finance to assess implementation progress, construction quality, compliance with technical standards and the likelihood of meeting the December 2026 completion deadline.
The exercise covered Bunumbu Teachers College, Government Secondary School, Kenema, Government Secondary School, Bo, and Magburaka Boys High School. The monitoring team was led by Engineer Sheku Lieed Sheriff, Director of Engineering at the NPPA. The inspections focused on the quality of work, workforce deployment, site security, environmental health and safety, and challenges affecting timely project delivery.
Bunumbu Teachers College: 85% Completion
The team visited Bunumbu Teachers College on 9 and 10 October 2026 and was received by Mr Abdul Decker Kamara, Clerk of Works representing IDEAS Limited. The project comprises 33 buildings undergoing rehabilitation and 34 newly constructed buildings. The Clerk of Works estimated overall completion at 85 per cent, while the contractor put progress at between 85 and 90 per cent. The contractor reported that only two of the new buildings remained unroofed.
However, the team was informed that none of the rehabilitation buildings had been fully completed in accordance with the project specifications. The consultant reported that quality-control measures were in place and that the required test results were available. Nevertheless, the monitoring team identified the low workforce as a major concern, given the December deadline.
The contractor cited difficulties in sourcing skilled labour and reported repeated theft of installed windows, tiles and other construction materials. The team called for increased labour deployment, improved site security and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Clearing overgrown vegetation around construction areas was also recommended. Additional works reportedly include a college farm, a fish pond and a three-kilometre internal access road, although the team did not obtain sufficient information on their implementation status. The NPPA concluded that completion by December remained achievable if the contractor accelerated outstanding works and strengthened workforce deployment.
Government Secondary School, Kenema: Rehabilitated Facilities in Use
On 11 October 2026, the team conducted the second-phase monitoring of the BADEA-funded project at Government Secondary School, Kenema. The rehabilitated dormitories and classrooms had been completed and were already occupied by students. The site engineer reported that the project also included eight newly constructed buildings.
However, outstanding works remain, and the consultant responsible for quality control was absent during the inspection. The team emphasized the need for the contractor to accelerate implementation and improve coordination with the consultant to support timely completion.
Government Secondary School, Bo: Progress Ahead of Kenema
The team also inspected Government Secondary School, Bo, on 11 October 2026. The project, being implemented by the same contractor responsible for the Kenema School, was found to be further advanced. The dormitories had been completed and were already occupied by students. The quality of work was assessed as good and consistent with expectations.
The NPPA urged the contractor to sustain progress at Bo and expedite the outstanding works at Kenema.
Magburaka Boys High School: Rehabilitation at 10%, New Construction at 60%
On 12 October 2026, the team monitored the BADEA-funded project at Magburaka Boys High School, which comprises 39 buildings earmarked for rehabilitation and nine newly constructed buildings. The project also includes a water supply system involving three boreholes, which the team was informed had been drilled.
The monitoring team assessed the rehabilitation works at 10 per cent completion, while the newly constructed buildings stood at 60 per cent. The project was significantly behind schedule, with the team estimating that at least six additional months would be required to complete the outstanding works. Even this timeframe was considered uncertain because of the inadequate workforce on site. Several rehabilitation activities remained outstanding, including tiling and plumbing installations. The team also identified serious security concerns and recurring theft at the construction site. Site engineers attributed some of the delays to the consultant’s failure to conduct a site visit before preparing the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), which they said contributed to additional works, variations and a subsequent contract addendum.
Although the original contract period was one year, implementation has extended to approximately three years. The school principal expressed disappointment with the slow pace of work and the continued delays. The NPPA stressed the need for a substantial increase in the workforce, stronger site security and accelerated implementation to bring the project closer to completion.
NPPA Calls for Improved Project Delivery
The monitoring exercise revealed varying levels of progress across the four projects. Bunumbu Teachers College was assessed at approximately 85 per cent completion, while the rehabilitated classrooms and dormitories at the Kenema and Bo schools were already in use. Magburaka Boys High School, however, recorded significant delays, particularly in its rehabilitation works.
The findings highlight the importance of effective contract management, adequate workforce deployment, quality assurance and site security in delivering public infrastructure on time.
The NPPA will continue to monitor public procurement contracts to promote compliance with contractual obligations, strengthen accountability and ensure value for money.
With the December 2026 deadline approaching, contractors and consultants are expected to address the identified shortcomings and intensify efforts to complete the projects to the required standards for the benefit of students, teachers and the wider education sector.
For more on this or anything relating to the NPPA please contact us on: info@nppa.gov.sl or visit our website at: www.nppa.gov.sl.
