By Mohamed J. Kargbo
Hamid Barry & Co officially launched its eco-friendly freshwater sand mining project in Rosarr-Mabaifu, located in Koya Chiefdom, Northern Sierra Leone.
The event marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices that aim to boost both local development and the national economy.
Hamid Sultan Barry, CEO of HB & Co, expressed his gratitude to the Sierra Leone government for supporting the initiative. He highlighted the environmental benefits of the project, which seeks to reduce the negative impact of sand mining on the Freetown Peninsula. “The excessive sand mining around the Peninsula has caused serious environmental damage, which is why we have chosen Rosarr-Mabaifu as our mining site. This will help mitigate the pressure on the Peninsula,” he explained.
Barry also spoke about the improvement of infrastructure in the region, noting the poor road conditions that initially made it difficult for vehicles to access the village. Through consultations with the Paramount Chief and other local stakeholders, HB & Co has already begun road construction and committed to completing it.
The company has also pledged to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by developing key community services such as schools, markets, wells, and a hospital, which will be transformative for the region.
The Resident Minister for the North West, Umaro Wurie, lauded the project for its potential to bring significant development to the people of Koya Chiefdom. He emphasized the importance of job creation, urging the company to prioritize the employment of local residents to provide livelihoods for the community. Wurie also promised his full support for the initiative, recognizing its long-term benefits for the region.
Paramount Chief Bai Kompa Bomboli III also expressed his strong support for the project. He recalled the company’s commitment to building roads for the village, a promise that had already been fulfilled.
The Chief urged the community to protect company property, warning that any destruction would harm both the company and the village’s prospects for development.
He further requested that the company adhere to local laws and traditions, stressing the importance of consulting him before addressing any disputes with villagers. In closing, the Paramount Chief reiterated his support and that of his people for the successful execution of the project.
