The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has conducted a working visit to the Bamb Road Car Wash in Freetown, engaging with members on their operations, investments, and contributions to local economic development. The visit highlights the government’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises, youth employment, and community-driven development.
Upon arrival, Dr. Sengeh was warmly received by members of the car wash, who are part of a nationwide car wash union. During his engagement, the Chairman of Bamb Road Car Wash, Mr. Ernest Derick Mansaray, provided a detailed overview of the group’s structure and operations. He explained that the organization is composed of twenty-eight active members, each contributing to the collective effort of providing affordable car washing services in the community. Customers pay one hundred New Leones per vehicle, of which ten New Leones are allocated to a common fund shared by all union members.
Mr. Mansaray elaborated on the group’s financial management and investment strategies, revealing that the car wash saves approximately one hundred and twenty thousand New Leones monthly. These funds are earmarked for strategic investments aimed at supporting the livelihoods of members. Plans are underway to purchase motorcycles, which will enable members to diversify income streams and expand business operations. The Chairman also highlighted operational challenges faced by the group, particularly during the dry season, when water supply is limited. To maintain consistent service and retain their customer base, the group pays local water suppliers, demonstrating a proactive approach to business continuity and customer satisfaction.
Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh commended the members for their industriousness, investment mindset, and commitment to economic self-reliance. He noted that he often passes by the Bamb Road Car Wash on his way to lectures and decided to stop by after work to personally encourage the youth. “You are doing well. You are investing and showing commitment,” he said, praising the members for their vision and dedication. The Chief Minister emphasized that their work represents a model for youth-led economic initiatives and showcases how grassroots enterprises can contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Bamb Road Car Wash serves as a prime example of a small-scale business fostering economic empowerment at the community level. By operating under a union structure, members benefit from collective decision-making, shared resources, and mutual support. This collaborative approach enables them to pool savings, invest in business expansion, and create employment opportunities for themselves and others within their community.
Dr. Sengeh’s visit aligns with the government’s broader development agenda, particularly the Big Five Game Changers, which prioritize job creation, human capital development, and economic transformation. Supporting enterprises such as Bamb Road Car Wash is a strategic effort to ensure that youth-led businesses are recognized, encouraged, and empowered to thrive. Such initiatives not only provide financial stability for young entrepreneurs but also foster essential skills, discipline, and a culture of savings and investment.
Members of the Bamb Road Car Wash expressed their appreciation for the Chief Minister’s visit, noting that government recognition strengthens their resolve to expand operations and contribute to national development. Mr. Mansaray emphasized that their achievements, though modest, reflect hard work, strategic planning, and the determination to create sustainable livelihoods.
Observers of the engagement note that grassroots enterprises like Bamb Road Car Wash play a crucial role in Sierra Leone’s socio-economic landscape. They provide practical examples of youth-driven initiatives that generate income, create employment, and encourage community development. By supporting such enterprises, the government reinforces the importance of local innovation, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of national progress.
The Chief Minister’s engagement with Bamb Road Car Wash operators underscores the government’s recognition that small enterprises, when well-managed and adequately supported, can make significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s economy. The visit also serves as an encouragement for other youth-led businesses across the country to adopt similar models of discipline, investment, and collaboration.
mb Road Car Wash continues to operate and expand its services, it remains a testament to the potential of grassroots initiatives to create meaningful socio-economic impact. The dedication of its members demonstrates that with strategic planning, consistent effort, and government support, young entrepreneurs can transform local enterprises into engines of economic growth and community development.