By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay
Carrying containers in broken trucks has become a common sight in the streets of Freetown during the day. The danger involved in this practice is pervasive and has become a major concern for the people of Sierra Leone. It exposes both the driver and pedestrians to significant risk, and if immediate action is not taken, it could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Broken trucks that are used to carry containers come with an inherent risk. These trucks are old and malfunctioning, and their chances of breakdown on the road are high. They lack proper maintenance, and their brakes may fail at any time, leading to accidents. Again, the likelihood of containers falling off these damaged vehicles during transit is high, which can be catastrophic for people on the road.
Such practice by truck drivers is not only a danger to road users but also a direct attack on the economy. Container-related accidents have the potential to disrupt supply chains leading to significant productivity loss and increased cost of goods for the people of Freetown.
To solve this problem, the government should take strict measures to prevent the use of broken trucks to carry containers. The authorities should enforce regulations to check all trucks before they hit the road. Also, stringent measures should be put in place to ensure that only well-maintained and roadworthy vehicles are allowed to transport heavy containers.
Another solution that could be adopted is the use of alternative modes of transport, such as railways and water transport. The government should invest in upgrading and modernizing railway infrastructure in the country. This move will help ease the burden on the road network and reduce the number of container trucks moving on the roads. Given Sierra Leone’s geographical location, the use of water transport should also be made an option for container transport.
The risk associated with carrying containers in broken trucks in Freetown is enormous and cannot be ignored. The negative impacts are not only limited to the safety of road users but also pose a significant threat to the economy of the country. Immediate action should be taken by the government to mitigate this problem. Regulations should be put in place to check the condition of trucks, and alternative means of transport should be explored to ease the burden on the road network. Only then can we ensure the safety of road users while simultaneously promoting sustainable economic development.
