By Josephine Sesay

Residents of Makeni City have called on the Government of Sierra Leone to urgently rehabilitate the O.I.C Road, citing its deteriorating condition and the challenges it poses to commuters, motorists, businesses and schoolchildren.

The road serves as a major access route to the O.I.C Technical and Vocational Institution and the MCA Primary and Secondary Schools in Makeni, making it one of the most critical roads within the community.

Residents say years of neglect have left the road riddled with potholes and severely damaged sections, significantly affecting the movement of people and goods. The situation worsens during the rainy season, when large portions of the road become muddy and nearly impassable.

Community members have expressed concern over the impact on schoolchildren, many of whom rely on the road daily to access educational facilities. They noted that the poor condition of the road exposes pupils and pedestrians to serious safety risks, particularly during heavy rainfall.

“The road is in a deplorable condition. Whenever it rains, movement becomes extremely difficult, and our children are forced to navigate dangerous sections on their way to school,” a resident lamented.

Motorists operating along the route have also voiced frustration over frequent vehicle damage caused by potholes and uneven surfaces. According to drivers, the poor state of the road has Increased maintenance costs and disrupted transportation services within the area.

Residents further emphasized that the road plays a critical role in supporting educational, social and economic activities in the community and therefore deserves urgent government attention.

Parents, community leaders and other stakeholders are now appealing to the Government, the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and the Makeni City Council to prioritise the rehabilitation of the road.

They believe that improving the road network will enhance road safety, ease transportation challenges, facilitate access to schools and businesses and also contribute to the overall development of the community.

As the rainy season intensifies, residents say swift intervention is needed to prevent further deterioration and ensure that the thousands of people who depend on the road can travel safely and conveniently.

For many residents, the rehabilitation of the O.I.C Road is no longer a matter of convenience but a necessity that directly affects education, transportation and daily life in Makeni.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wenesday, 24th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)