Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Residents of Locust, east of Freetown, have raised concern over the suspension of work on the community’s bridge, warning of public safety risks.
Concerns stem from the incomplete work carried out by Gento Group of Companies on the Locust Bridge, which residents warn could pose serious risks to the community and commuters along Freetown’s eastern corridor.
The bridge, located in the eastern flank of the capital, Freetown, is named after the community, Locust.
Mohamed Jalloh, better known as Pa Jalloh, recalled that some time ago, certain people came to the community and told them that they were engineers for the bridge.
“They said they came to repair the bridge, and some of us told them that there was no way they could repair the bridge that had so badly deteriorated with cracks all over, and should have a fresh reconstruction instead,” he said.
According to him, less than a year after repairs were made, the bridge developed serious cracks again, leading to the collapse of half of the structure. He added that the engineers from the contractors – Gento Group of Companies did not heed the community advice at that time.
“Since the heavy rains started to set in this year, the place began to deteriorate and the embankment areas around the bridge have been washed away by heavy downpour,” he said.
Jalloh highlighted the bridge’s critical role as a main entry point into the city during peak hours, warning that its use on through narrow one-way lane has resulted in heavy traffic and accidents.
He recounted a recent incident where a commercial vehicle lost control, and nearly ran over pedestrians. “Because the bridge is so narrow, heavy traffic and accidents are unavoidable,” he said.
Regarding the work stoppage during the peak of the rainy season this year, Jalloh mentioned that workers at the site reported they had not received their salaries, contributing to the construction delay.
Karim Sesay, a motor bike rider, said that they will continue to advocate for help, and promised not to take the law into their own hands because they are law-abiding citizens, and so they are calling on the government to intervene.
He said the bridge is vital for commuters and commercial vehicles, as the main motor road, commonly called New Road, is most often congested and drivers would then use it as an alternative route to bypass traffic.
In response to the concerns raised by the community, Sierraeye contacted the Sierra Leone Road Authority (SLRA) to provide the scope of work in relation to the project, including resumption of work at the site since heavy rains and inclement weather have ceased. But we didn’t get their response.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
