Plans are well underway for the construction of a $50 million oxygen production plant in Kerry Town, near Waterloo in the Western Rural District. The project, spearheaded by a Turkish company, is set to commence soon on a 4-acre site and is expected to bring significant economic and healthcare benefits to Sierra Leone.
According to reliable sources, the project involves the installation and operation of gas and liquid oxygen plants under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) technical agreement. The contract will oversee the establishment of oxygen production and filling facilities in the country, providing much-needed infrastructure to support medical and industrial needs.
The oxygen plant is expected to create hundreds of jobs for Sierra Leoneans, as well as provide training and development opportunities. The project’s scale and potential impact have garnered widespread support from both government officials and private stakeholders.
“This project will not only address the oxygen supply challenges in the healthcare sector but also offer employment and skill development to many Sierra Leoneans,” said a government official. “The benefits to the economy will be immense, with positive ripple effects across various sectors.”
The project is being facilitated by a Lebanese national, working in collaboration with the Embassy of Malta in Freetown. The Minister of Health and his team have expressed their full support and are working diligently to ensure the plant is operational as soon as possible.
“We are doing everything humanly possible to expedite the process because the benefits are enormous,” the Health Minister noted, highlighting the project’s potential to boost the healthcare system and stimulate economic growth.
Ambassador Solomon Gembeh, former High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Nigeria and current Commissioner of the National Communications Authority (NaTCA), has also played a key role in driving the project forward. His efforts behind the scenes have been instrumental in ensuring that the initiative remains on track.
The oxygen factory project dates back to the previous administration, but despite initial planning, it never materialized. The Turkish company responsible for its implementation has a solid track record in Sierra Leone and is recognized for its expertise in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
“This has been in the pipeline for years, but now we are finally seeing progress,” a source close to the project commented. “The Turkish company involved is reputable, and we are confident that this plant will make a lasting difference in the country.”
With final preparations underway, the oxygen factory at Kerry Town is expected to begin operations soon, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s industrial and healthcare development. The $50 million project promises not only to boost the local economy but also to enhance medical oxygen supplies, a critical resource for hospitals across the country.
