NaCSA, RMFA and Donor Partners Strengthen Collaboration on Feeder Road Maintenance...

*Freetown, Sierra Leone - 15th May 2026*

The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA), and development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening feeder road maintenance and sustaining rural infrastructure investments under the GPC YE Project across Sierra Leone.

The high-level engagement brought together the Deputy Commissioner of NaCSA, *Dr. Mrs Susan Robert* alongside Michael Nogue, Technical Advisor for KfW, Johannes Kinzinger, Head of Mission and Director of the KfW office in Lomé and Togo, Johannes Behrens, Head of German Cooperation at the German Embassy, as well as representatives from RMFA, local councils, and other technical stakeholders to discuss maintenance financing, contractor performance, institutional capacity, and the long-term sustainability of feeder roads nationwide.

During the meeting, RMFA highlighted the significant funding gap affecting road maintenance, noting that while studies recommend about 20 US cents per litre from fuel levies for effective maintenance, Sierra Leone currently generates approximately 3 US cents per litre.

Stakeholders welcomed the recent Cabinet approval of the National Feeder Roads Policy, developed with support from the European Union and the International Labour Organization (ILO), describing it as a major step toward improving maintenance systems and introducing innovative financing mechanisms.

The discussions also focused on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between RMFA and development partners aimed at sustaining feeder roads through shared financing arrangements. Under the arrangement, RMFA pre-finances maintenance works while donor partners reimburse up to 80 percent of approved expenditures.

RMFA further outlined its monitoring and accountability mechanisms, explaining that contractors’ works are regularly verified by engineers before payments are approved to ensure quality and value for money.

Participants also discussed challenges relating to contractor performance, procurement processes, and limited technical capacity within local councils responsible for supervising projects.

Stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger contractor certification systems, improved technical supervision, and continuous capacity building for council engineers and procurement officers.

Development partners commended the progress achieved under the GPC-YE Project but stressed that sustainable maintenance remains critical to preserving investments in rural infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from NaCSA, RMFA, and development partners to strengthen collaboration, improve maintenance financing, and continue supporting rural connectivity and socio-economic development across Sierra Leone.

For further information on this and other matters, please contact:*

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit**

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