By Abdul Razack Gbla
President Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Thursday, September 18, 2025, officially commissioned the newly constructed Sewa Grounds Market at Victoria Park, a landmark project aimed at transforming trading and commerce in the heart of Freetown.
The state-of-the-art facility, constructed under the supervision of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), spans an area equivalent to two football pitches and can accommodate more than 2,500 traders. It features CCTV surveillance, a 200,000-litre water storage system, 40 restrooms, spacious parking areas, and warehouses of varying sizes to meet the needs of diverse businesses.
In his keynote address, President Bio described the project as a major boost to the informal sector, which he called a “critical pillar” of Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. He highlighted that the market provides a safer, modern trading environment while supporting the government’s Big Five development agenda, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and promoting inclusive growth.
The President announced that stores within the market will be rented at a minimal fee of six thousand Leones, ensuring the facility remains accessible to traders from different backgrounds. “Our government is committed to creating an enabling environment where small businesses can thrive,” he said, emphasizing the importance of law-abiding trading practices, market cleanliness, and accessibility.
President Bio also revealed plans to establish a pension scheme for informal sector workers to safeguard their futures and provide support for families in times of hardship.
Government ministers in attendance commended NASSIT and the project coordinators for delivering one of Freetown’s most modern markets, a development expected to significantly reduce street trading in the Central Business District.
NASSIT’s Director General, Mohamed Fuad Daboh, noted that beyond managing the country’s pension scheme, the institution invests surplus funds in ventures such as the Sewa Grounds Market. “This market is a product of prudent investment and government goodwill,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a guided tour of the facility led by the President, attended by senior government officials, dignitaries, and community members.
