Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), a prominent flagbearer aspirant for the All People’s Congress (APC), has sharply criticized the Sierra Leonean government for its handling of the Lungi Bridge project, alleging that it has become a tool for political maneuvering rather than a genuine infrastructure initiative.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Kamara expressed his dismay over the government’s contradictory actions regarding the bridge, which is intended to connect mainland Freetown to the Lungi International Airport.
He said that within a span of less than a year, the government has signed two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the same project: first with a Chinese company in December 2023, and more recently with the American firm, Acrow, this June 2025.
“This situation raises critical questions,” Kamara stated, further slamming that “It is either a sign of confusion within the Government or a deliberate attempt to play politics with the hopes of the people.”
He further questioned the implications of those agreements, asking, “Are we building two bridges? Has the Chinese deal failed? Or is this just another round of political window-dressing?”
Kamara referenced President Julius Maada Bio’s announcement of the $1.5 billion Chinese-led bridge project, which was touted as part of the administration’s “Big 5 Agenda.”
Notably, the sudden pivot to an American company has left many citizens puzzled. “The people of Sierra Leone deserve clarity, not conflicting press releases,” Kamara said.
The APC aspirant criticised the government for a lack of transparency and accountability in the project’s development. “These MoUs feel more like campaign tools than serious development plans. Signing documents is easy; building the bridge is the real work. So far, we have seen no construction, no timelines, and no accountability,” Kamara remarked.
In his closing remarks, Kamara urged the government to prioritise the needs of the nation over political gain. “The Lungi Bridge should not be used to score political points. It should be a symbol of progress, not of confusion and broken promises,” he declared.
