The Special Technical Audit Report has rubbished the implementation of the Sewa Grounds Market Stalls Project in which the Government, through NASSIT, has paid over US$15,616,224.57, 98% of the total cost of the project.
The audit team had discovered that there were outstanding works amounting to US$1,970.207.97 on the market stalls and upscale lockup shops project. It was also highlighted by the audit team that the layout of the buildings on site does not follow the layout of the plans and drawings provided.
NASSIT was urged by the Special Technical Audit to reject any payment for works done which do not meet specifications. They should also ensure that defects in the facility are rectified immediately while also ensuring a fast completion of the project and subsequently hand it over to be used for its intended purpose in order to avoid more costs on the part of Government.
The Sewa Grounds Project was originally started by the Herbert George Williams administration and the rationale was to be able to remove traders from the major streets of Freetown. The project was heavily impacted with funding and the former President, while on a visit to the facility, had to call for NASSIT to intervene.
The project, as we go to press, is still in shambles and street trading still remains a huge problem for the City of Freetown and there is no end in sight.
The Special Technical Audit Report was commissioned by the Government of Sierra Leone to look at the Energy, Telecoms, NASSIT and the Works sector. Over one billion dollars was reportedly misappropriated in the various sectors.