The National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) has taken another major step towards the commissioning of the ultra-modern Sewa Grounds Market, as its Board of Trustees carried out a comprehensive inspection of the facility ahead of its official operationalisation.
The inspection, conducted on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, was led by the Chairperson of the NASSIT Board of Trustees, Madam Isata Marrah, who was accompanied by members of the Board, senior management of NASSIT, and officials of the Sierra Estate Management Company (SEMCo), the institution responsible for managing the market.
The visit formed part of NASSIT’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every aspect of the newly developed commercial facility meets the required standards before traders officially begin business operations.
During the inspection, SEMCo General Manager, Lansana Koroma, provided the delegation with an extensive briefing on the progress made since the completion of the market’s construction. He disclosed that the response from traders has been overwhelmingly positive, revealing that almost all available market spaces have already been secured by prospective tenants.
According to him, occupancy has reached approximately 99 percent, with only a handful of spaces remaining available. He further explained that discussions with traders are continuing to ensure a smooth and orderly relocation process into the modern facility once it becomes operational.
Mr. Koroma also updated the Board on the technical condition of the market, stating that significant progress has been made in addressing issues identified during the post-construction assessment. He noted that seven out of ten outstanding construction snag items have already been resolved, while efforts are underway to complete the remaining works within the shortest possible time.
Despite the encouraging progress, the SEMCo General Manager highlighted one of the major concerns likely to affect the effective operation of the market if left unresolved. He pointed to the continued presence of unauthorized street traders occupying sections of Rawdon Street and Garrison Street, stressing that the situation could undermine the purpose of the newly constructed market by creating unfair competition and congestion.
He appealed to NASSIT and other relevant government institutions to work together in ensuring that these streets are properly cleared before the market officially opens, thereby creating a safer, more organized and business-friendly environment for registered traders.
Addressing the delegation after the briefing, Board Chairperson Madam Isata Marrah expressed satisfaction with the quality of work executed on the project and commended both the NASSIT Management and SEMCo for the level of commitment demonstrated throughout the implementation process.
She described the facility as an important national investment capable of transforming commercial activities within the city while providing traders with a modern, secure and hygienic environment to conduct business.
Madam Marrah praised the management teams for maintaining steady progress towards operationalisation and acknowledged the impressive level of occupancy already recorded, describing it as evidence of public confidence in the project.
Responding to concerns over illegal street trading, the Board Chairperson assured the management that she would personally engage the relevant government authorities and key stakeholders to facilitate the clearance of Rawdon Street and Garrison Street before the market begins full operations.
She emphasized that maintaining order around the market would be critical to protecting the investment and ensuring fairness for traders who have secured legitimate spaces within the facility.
Also speaking during the visit, NASSIT’s Deputy Director General in charge of Administration, Mohammed Gondoe, thanked the Board Chairperson for her continued leadership, guidance and support towards the institution’s developmental agenda.
He assured the Board that management remains committed to addressing every outstanding issue before the official opening of the market, adding that all necessary administrative and operational measures are being implemented to ensure the facility is fully prepared to receive traders and customers.
The inspection concluded with an extensive tour of the entire market complex, during which the Board members visited various sections of the facility, including trading stalls, warehouses, storage areas and other essential amenities designed to support efficient commercial activities.
The Sewa Grounds Market project is regarded as one of NASSIT’s strategic investments aimed at promoting economic growth, improving trading conditions and generating sustainable returns while contributing to urban development. With occupancy nearing completion and final preparations well underway, expectations are high that the facility will soon commence operations and provide traders with a modern marketplace that meets international standards.