Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Hon. Ibrahim Aziz Bangura, commonly known as Hon. Kelly or Dangote, representing Port Loko District in Parliament, has renewed calls for the government to urgently address key infrastructure and service delivery challenges affecting the people of Lungi.
Speaking during the recent parliamentary debate on President Julius Maada Bio’s address to Parliament on August 7, 2025, Hon. Bangura centered his contribution on four main areas: transportation, water and sanitation, sports development, and workers’ welfare.
The lawmaker commended the President for progress made in the aviation sector, particularly the resumption of direct flights between Freetown and the United Kingdom. He described the development as a positive step that enhances Sierra Leone’s global connectivity and supports tourism and trade.
“I must commend His Excellency for restoring direct flights to the UK. This is a major achievement that we should all be proud of,” Hon. Bangura said. “I want to encourage all Sierra Leoneans to patronize the Air Sierra Leone Airline and build confidence in our own. I also believe the President himself should use it occasionally it’s comfortable and conducive.”
While commending the strides in air travel, Hon. Bangura sharply criticized the government’s neglect of sea transportation, describing the condition of ferries that operate between Freetown and Lungi as “deplorable and unsafe.”
He expressed deep frustration over the frequent mechanical breakdowns that leave passengers stranded sometimes for hours and the growing safety concerns associated with aging vessels.
“The ferries we use today are old, dangerous, and completely unfit for modern transport,” the Port Loko MP stated. “We have lost lives and time because of these breakdowns. It’s unacceptable that five years after a presidential promise, Lungi still has no new ferries.”
Hon. Bangura reminded Parliament of President Bio’s 2020 commitment to procure two new ferries for the Kissy Ferry Terminal, but noted that the pledge has not been fulfilled.
He stressed that the situation continues to cause serious hardship for thousands of commuters, including students, traders, and civil servants who rely on the ferries daily.
He also referenced the long-delayed Lungi Bridge Project, which was once hailed as a transformative initiative but has suffered repeated changes in contractors and unclear timelines.
“The people of Kaffu Bullom and Lungi are tired of promises,” Hon. Bangura emphasized. “We want action. Whether it’s the bridge or new ferries, we need a reliable and safe means of transport connecting Lungi to Freetown.”
The lawmaker also drew attention to Lungi’s chronic water challenges, lamenting the lack of progress on the $25 billion pipe-borne water project launched in June 2024. The project, funded by the Government of Sierra Leone, was intended to improve access to clean water in Kaffu Bullom and its surrounding communities.
However, Hon. Bangura disclosed that contractors have suspended work, reportedly due to delays in disbursing funds.
“Clean water is not a luxury it’s a basic right,” he said. “People in Lungi still struggle to access safe drinking water. A project of this scale should not be abandoned halfway.”
He further highlighted the deteriorating state of roads and bridges within Lungi, mentioning specific routes such as the Talabu junction to Conakry Dee, the Benket community bridge, and the May Road, which serves one of the busiest market areas. He appealed to the President and the Ministry of Works to ensure these critical roads are rehabilitated to ease transportation and promote trade.
Turning to sports development, Hon. Bangura passionately appealed for the construction of a standard football field with artificial turf in Lungi.
He described Lungi as a “football powerhouse” that has produced several talented players now representing top Premier League clubs and the national team, yet remains without a proper football facility.
“Lungi breathes football,” he said. “But imagine, we don’t even have a single standard pitch. Bullham Stars, our Premier League team, plays home games away from home. That nearly cost them relegation last season. The people of Lungi deserve better.”
He called on the newly elected Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President, the Minister of Sports, and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to collaborate on building a modern football pitch that meets professional standards.
According to Hon. Bangura, a well-structured football field would not only serve as a training ground for young talents but also foster community pride and attract national sporting events to the region.
The MP also used his platform to advocate for the payment of severance benefits to airport workers, urging the Ministry of Transport to resolve the long-standing issue that continues to affect former employees.
At the end of the debate, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, commended Hon. Bangura and other members who raised specific constituency issues. He encouraged MPs to continue focusing on practical challenges affecting their communities rather than offering generalized praise or criticism.
“Beginning next financial year, committees will follow up on the specific issues raised during these debates,” the Speaker assured. “This is how we will ensure that Parliament delivers tangible results for our people.”
Hon. Ibrahim Aziz Bangura’s passionate advocacy resonated widely, reflecting growing frustration among Lungi residents who continue to feel left behind in national development efforts.
Many have since expressed hope that his message will inspire urgent government action on transportation, sports infrastructure, and essential services in the coastal town.
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