The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, through the Monuments and Relics Commission and the National Railway Museum, has commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum. The event also marked the 126th anniversary of the Sierra Leone Railway, 50 years since its closure in 1974, and five years of the Railway Heritage Club in Bauya. Diplomats, Friends of the Railway Museum, school children and key stakeholders attended, highlighting the occasion’s significance.
The Sierra Leone Government Railway was closed in 1974. A collection of rolling stock was retained at the former railway workshops to form a museum. Through the years of civil war these collections disappeared from sight fearing that they have been destroyed. Following the initiative of a British army officer, Rtd. Colonel Steve Davies, restoration of the equipment commenced in 2004. Former President Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabba visited the site where he indicated support for preserving the railway heritage of Sierra Leone and the opening of the museum in 2005.
The National Railway Museum 20th anniversary celebration started with a motorbike ride by Education and Outreach Officer, Patrick Massaquoi from Freetown to Pendembu and other former railway stations and back to Freetown. The essence was to hear stories and present medals to former railwaymen.
Founder of the National Railway Museum, Steve Colonel, highlighted the significance of the event and it importance to Sierra Leone’s history. Chairperson, Friends of Sierra Leone National Railway Museum UK, Helen Ashby reiterated the significance of the museum, while appreciating the efforts by locals to preserve the country’s heritage.
Giving the keynote address on behalf of the Minister Nabeela Tunis, the Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh conveyed the Minister’s appreciation to team for holding the multiple celebrations. He assured that the Ministry is working to having a buffer zone around the museum to prevent a repeat of the fire incident and also keep the edifice safe.
Statements by the British, Commissioner, Josephine Gauld, Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Programme, Mohamed Jalloh and Ann-Marie Wright, Trustee of Welshpool & Llanfair Railway all underscored the significance of the National Railway Museum.
Short act by kids of Arimahs Reading Club explained the history and operations of the railway and also the negative effects of its closure. Awards of recognition to individuals and institutions for their immense contributions to the Museum climax the occasion.
MTCA Communications
