By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a bold move to address longstanding concerns over road safety and traffic congestion in the capital city, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), James Baggie Bio, officially launched a large-scale operation targeting illegal street garages along major roads in Freetown.
The operation, which commenced at the Hillside Bypass Road near Dawazark Junction, aims to remove all unauthorized vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles (commonly known as Kekehs), and other road hazards that have been obstructing public roadways and endangering both pedestrians and drivers.
This strategic intervention is part of a broader effort by SLRSA to enhance road safety, restore order, and ensure that public roads are used strictly for their intended purposes. Illegal street garages have long contributed to road accidents, traffic jams, and the deterioration of road infrastructure, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Freetown.
“The streets of Freetown cannot continue to be workshops and garages for unauthorized mechanical repairs,” said Mr. Bio during the launch. “We must return our roads to the people and ensure a safe and orderly environment for all road users.”
The operation drew strong participation and support from key stakeholders across the road safety and transport sectors. In attendance were the Deputy Executive Director of SLRSA and Head of Operations, Josie A. Scott-Manga; Director of Safety and Enforcement, Augustine Kaitongi; and the Director of Traffic. Also present were officers from the Sierra Leone Police and members of the Road Safety Corps, forming a robust Joint Operation Team committed to enforcing the new directive.
Together, these stakeholders symbolized a unified front in the government’s fight against urban disorder and illegal street activities that hamper smooth traffic flow and put lives at risk.
Residents and commuters welcomed the initiative, noting that such operations are long overdue. “It’s about time something was done,” said Foday Kamara, a commercial driver operating in the east end of Freetown. “These garages block the roads, create traffic, and sometimes even lead to accidents. This action by the SLRSA is good for all of us.”
According to the SLRSA, the campaign will not be limited to the Hillside Bypass Road. The Authority plans to extend the crackdown to other parts of Freetown and eventually across the country, targeting areas notorious for street garages and illegal parking.
SLRSA officials have also promised that this operation will be backed by sustained monitoring, public education, and legal enforcement to prevent a resurgence of the issue. Vehicle owners and mechanics have been urged to comply with the directive and relocate their operations to designated garage zones.
“We are not against people trying to earn a living,” Mr. Kaitongi emphasized. “But it must be done in a lawful and safe manner. The safety of the public must come first.”
As the campaign gains momentum, SLRSA has called on the general public to cooperate with enforcement officers and report any instances of non-compliance.
The Authority remains committed to building a safer, more efficient transport system in line with Sierra Leone’s broader development goals.
