By Tamba Steven Komba
Some residents of Mile 91, in the Yoni Mamaila Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as long-standing government neglect. The community of more than 95,000 people continues to struggle without safe drinking water, electricity, paved township roads, or a government referral health facility, despite its strategic location along the Freetown–Bo highway.
“This community is blessed with Central University, Miro Forestry Company, and other businesses with huge potential. Yet, when you look around, we live without clean water, no electricity, no proper health system, and no good road within the town,” lamented Councilor Joseph Turay of Ward 165.
The road linking Mile 91 to Magburaka, the district headquarters, is described as “deplorable” by residents. According to them, the bad condition of the road has caused untold suffering, especially for vulnerable patients.
“When emergencies happen, especially with pregnant women or children, we sometimes have to go through Masiaka to Makeni before getting to Magburaka. Many lives have been lost because of this,” said Fatmata Koroma, a resident and mother of four.
The health crisis is worsening following the announcement that Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) will end its operations in the community by September 2025. For years, MSF has been providing affordable health care services, particularly for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five.
“We pleaded with MSF to reconsider their decision, but all efforts have proved futile. If they leave, this town will be in serious health danger,” Councilor Turay explained.
Adding to the frustration, residents complain that they have been left in the dark while other communities benefit from electricity projects.
“The government says it has provided light across the country, but Mile 91 is still waiting. We are tired of promises,” said local trader, Alhaji Mohamed Conteh, who stressed that the absence of electricity makes business growth nearly impossible.
On top of these challenges is an ongoing water crisis. Many households depend on shallow wells and streams for drinking water, which they say exposes them to waterborne diseases.
“Getting safe drinking water here is like gold. Our children are constantly sick because of the water we drink,” revealed Hawa Sesay, a market woman.
Despite its peaceful environment and growing population, residents fear that Mile 91’s development potential will remain untapped unless urgent steps are taken.
“We are only asking for the basics; clean water, electricity, better roads, and a proper hospital. These are not luxuries; they are rights,” emphasized Councilor Turay.
For now, the people of Mile 91 say they continue to live in hope that their cries will not fall on deaf ears.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 17th September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
