Residents and commuters around the Up-gun Ferry Junction have raised concerns over the increasing traffic congestion in the area. Many attribute the worsening situation to cement trucks allegedly belonging to MACCEM Sierra Leone Ltd, which are often parked along the street, further restricting the already limited road space.
According to eyewitnesses, the trucks that belongs to the Chief Executive Office Ahmed Mackie, who is also the Hungarian Consulate to Sierra Leone has be frequently obstructing the smooth flow of traffic, causing long delays, especially during peak hours. Frustrated road users have called on the authorities to intervene and enforce stricter parking regulations to ease movement within the busy junction.
Aminata Sesay, a commuter, who spoke anonymously, stated, “It’s becoming unbearable. These trucks are always here, blocking the road and making traffic worse. Something needs to be done.”
Local business owners have also expressed concerns, claiming the congestion is affecting their operations. They urged the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) and the police to take immediate action to ensure free movement and prevent further disruptions.
Mr. Alfred Mansaray, a shop owner at Ferry Junction, said most of the traffic congestion has been caused by MACCEM cement trucks that are frequently loading and offloading cement.
“I’ve been doing business here for almost 13 years, and these trucks have always caused accidents, but we have not seen any action from the authorities,” he explained. According to him, many truck drivers do not adhere to traffic rules and often block the road unnecessarily without notifying other vehicles.
Mackie has received a formal letter from the traffic department of the Sierra Leone Police, advising him to either find an amicable solution to reduce the inflow of trucks or relocate his cement factory. However, while Mackie acknowledged the letter, he has not complied with any of the recommendations.
This is the same investor who promised a white elephant project to the people of Rogbagba, Hastings and other surrounding communities, vowing to construct a market and some major culverts in the community where he built his second factory.
After an in-depth investigation, this medium learned that Mackie has allegedly been bribing some community stakeholders to prevent them from speaking out about the unfulfilled promises.
This situation has left the people of Rogbagba, Hastings, and other surrounding communities with mixed feelings, and they now doubt the credibility of Mackie’s promises.
Efforts to reach Mr. Ahmed Mackie, the Chief Executive Officer of MACCEM, for comment have so far been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, authorities are being urged to intervene before the situation escalates further.
