On Saturday 25th May 2024, the Sierra Leone Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh turned the sod for the construction of Gbongboma-Molakika Bridge linking Bonthe Municipal Island to other Islands in Bonthe District.
The Honourable Vice President informed the community people and other well-wishers that he was launching the bridge construction project on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, adding that the construction of the bridge is a demonstration of President Bio’s Government determination to bring development to the people. He further informed the people about the nationwide on-going construction of four other bridges by President Bio in communities that used ferries to cross rivers, he noted when the construction of the four bridges is completed the communities will no longer use ferries.
The Honourable Vice President also told the people about the commencement for the construction of four additional bridges across the country after the completion of the on-going four bridges to ensure people stop using local ferries and boats. He stated that the Gbongboma-Molakika Bridge will change the economic lives of people and connect Bonthe Island with other Islands in the district. He added that the Gbongboma Bridge after completion will make it easier for pupils to access schools including the university on Bonthe Island, hospital facility and engage in business activities on the main Island.
“This bridge will change the lives of this place” he emphasized. Vice President Jalloh disclosed about a plan road construction project leading to Deima to enable vehicular movement in the Islands. He assured the people of more developments in Bonthe District and the main Island during Bio’s Presidency. He referred to the water facility, electricity projects on Bonthe Island as parts of President Bio’s developments. He revealed that the Gbongboma Bridge will be opened by President Bio after completion. The Vice President also revealed about the construction of road after the completion of the bridge to enable the movement of people to Bonthe Municipality.
Vice President Jalloh admonished the people to embark on agriculture in the next four years of President Bio’s final term in office. He said the construction of the bride will make it easier for people to sell their agricultural produce. He assured the Chinese construction company of the support from the community people.
The Mayor of Bonthe Munipal Council, Mohamed Robinson expressed gratitude to President Bio and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party Led-Government for addressing the needs of Bonthe people. He described the launching of the bridge work as historical and a fulfilment of reality for Bonthe District, because of the provocative comments that were made by some people. He highlighted on-going projects in his Municipality such as the Sea Face Wall, the township roads construction, water supply system, electricity awaiting fuel among others. He appealed to Vice President Jalloh to help solved the mechanical problem that has led to the shutdown of the clock tower.
Ing. Jalil, Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority said his institution has the responsibility to make, maintain and manage roads and things related to roads like bridges and culverts. He stated that the launched for the construction work marks the beginning of solving the problems the people are facing. He said the length of the Gbongboma Bridge is six hundred and fifteen meters and five meters wide.
He clarified that the bridge will be constructed using box culverts instead of pillars or columns because of the geology of Bonthe Island, stressing that the reason for the clarification was to avoid people circulating misinformation and disinformation to the public. He disclosed that the Gbongboma Bridge is funded solely by the Government of Sierra Leone, and the duration for the construction work is two years. The bridge is to be constructed by a Chinese company called CGICO (China Gansu international Economic and Technical Cooperation Company.
By: Aaron Bundu Lahai-Head of Media & Public Relations
