Residents of Karena District are appealing to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), and other relevant government institutions to urgently intervene in the deplorable situation surrounding the collapsed of Matheiu Bridge, a critical transport link connecting Makeni to Kamakwie and surrounding communities.
The appeal is being led by Karena District Chairman Abdul Kandeh Turay, alongside other stakeholders, who are calling on the government to recognise the seriousness of the situation and allocate the necessary funds for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the damaged bridge.
For the people of Karena District, the Matheiu Bridge is more than just a physical structure. It is a vital link that supports transportation, trade, access to essential services, and the movement of people and goods between communities. Its collapse has reportedly created significant difficulties for residents, traders, farmers, transport operators, students, patients, and other members of the public who depend on the route for their daily activities.
Rainy Season Worsens the Suffering of Residents
The situation becomes particularly challenging during the rainy season, when communities face increased difficulties travelling between Karena District and other parts of the country. With the bridge no longer serving its intended purpose, movement along the Makeni–Kamakwie corridor has become a serious concern for residents and road users.
The collapse has raised concerns about the isolation of communities, the transportation of agricultural produce, and the delivery of essential goods and services. For many residents, what should be a normal journey can become a costly and stressful experience, particularly when heavy rainfall makes road conditions more difficult.
The effects are also being felt in the cost of living. Traders and transport operators who encounter difficulties moving goods may face additional transportation expenses, which can ultimately be reflected in the prices consumers pay at local markets. As a result, residents already struggling to meet their daily needs may find themselves paying more for food, essential commodities, and other necessities.
Farmers could also face challenges transporting their produce to markets, potentially affecting their income and reducing the availability of agricultural products in some communities. When transportation links are disrupted, the consequences extend beyond road users to affect the wider local economy.
In response to the growing concerns, Karena District Chairman Abdul Kandeh Turay and other stakeholders are appealing to President Bio to give urgent attention to the collapsed Matheiu Bridge.
They are calling for the government to treat the reconstruction of the bridge as a matter of public importance and to ensure that the necessary financial resources are made available for the project.
The stakeholders are also urging the Sierra Leone Roads Authority to assess the situation, determine the scale of work required, and work with the relevant ministries and government agencies to establish a practical plan for restoring the bridge.
Their appeal reflects the concerns of communities that rely on the Makeni–Kamakwie route for commerce, education, healthcare, agricultural activities, and social interaction. They believe that restoring the bridge would help ease transportation difficulties and improve the movement of people and goods across the affected areas.
For residents of Karena District, the request is straightforward: they want a safe, dependable transport connection that allows them to go about their daily activities without the additional hardship caused by the collapsed bridge.
