By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The management and leadership of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) is facing mounting criticism for its failure to maintain the country’s roads, particularly in Freetown. The capital city’s streets have become notorious for their poor condition, causing frustration and hardship among scores of citizens who are road users across the country.
“I don’t know what SLRA is doing,” said Amara Kamara, a resident of Freetown. “The roads are in a terrible state, and it’s getting worse every day. The Ferry Junction-Bomeh highway towards Culvert is a nightmare. It’s causing so much traffic congestion, wasting our time and exposing vulnerable commuters to accidents.”
The Ferry Junction-Bomeh road is a particular point of contention. “Fixing that route now would be prudent,” said Kamara. “The scene now causes unbearable and unnecessary traffic. It’s time for SLRA to act.”
Many citizens are echoing Kamara’s sentiments, expressing their dissatisfaction with SLRA’s performance. “The Goderich Street is another street that needs urgent attention,” said Fatmata Jalloh, a local businesswoman. “It’s pitiable to see how our roads are being managed. SLRA should be doing more to fix these roads.”
The rainy season has exacerbated the problem, making the roads almost impassable. “It’s like SLRA is not doing anything to solve the problem,” said Mohamed Koroma, a frustrated commuter. “The roads are getting worse, and it’s affecting our daily lives. We need action, not excuses. Look at how deplorable the network connecting East End Police and Fourah Bay is at the moment. The situation of these road networks has been in these pot-riddled status for the last six to seven years,” he recalled, and also urged government through the SLRA to avoid excuses and dash into action and fix the roads now than later.
SLRA’s mandate includes the construction of new roads and maintaining existing ones. However, its performance has fallen short of expectations. “Institutions charged with certain responsibilities should not treat things with levity,” said Abdul Bangura, a concerned citizen. “SLRA needs to take its responsibilities seriously and fix our roads.”
Citizens are crying out for action, demanding that SLRA takes immediate steps to address the road maintenance crisis. “We don’t have it all as a country,” said Jalloh, “but that doesn’t excuse SLRA’s poor performance. We need better roads, and we need them now.”
The situation has become a major concern for residents, businesses, and commuters alike. As the rainy season continues, the condition of the roads is likely to worsen, causing more hardship and frustration for citizens.
SLRA’s failure to maintain the roads has significant implications for the country’s development and economy. Poor roads can deter investment, hinder economic growth, and affect the overall quality of life for citizens.
It’s time for SLRA to take its responsibilities seriously and address the road maintenance crisis. Citizens are demanding action, and it’s up to SLRA to deliver. The government must also hold SLRA accountable for its performance and ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to fix the country’s roads.
In conclusion, the Sierra Leone Road Authority’s poor performance has sparked widespread frustration and discontent among citizens. It’s time for action, and SLRA must take its responsibilities seriously to address the road maintenance crisis and improve the lives of citizens.
