By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Concern is mounting in the Locust community, eastern Freetown, after construction work on the Locust Bridge came to a halt, leaving the critical structure in a partially completed state.
The bridge, handled by the Gento Group of Companies, is a vital access point for commuters traveling into the city. Its current abandonment has raised fears of more accidents and worsening traffic congestion, particularly along the busy eastern corridor.
Community elder Mohamed Jalloh, popularly known as Pa Jalloh, recalled that engineers initially came to repair the bridge, but residents had urged that the level of damage required full reconstruction.
“They said they came to repair the bridge, and some of us told them there was no way to repair a bridge that was badly cracked and damaged. It needed a full rebuild,” Jalloh explained.
Despite temporary fixes, the structure developed deep cracks less than a year later, eventually collapsing on one side. He added that heavy rains this year have further eroded the embankments, making the bridge increasingly unsafe.
“This bridge is a main entry point into Freetown during rush hours. Its current one-lane condition is causing traffic gridlock and frequent accidents. Just recently, a commercial vehicle lost control and nearly hit pedestrians,” Jalloh lamented.
For many residents, the situation has become more than an inconvenience it is a daily safety risk. Motorbike rider Saidu Sesay noted that the bridge plays a crucial role as part of the “Old Road,” which serves as an alternative route for commercial vehicles whenever the main motor road is closed during peak hours.
“This bridge is vital for commuters, so the government needs to act. We will continue to call for help but remain peaceful,” Sesay said.
There are suspicions within the community that delays may be linked to unpaid wages for construction workers, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Responding to the concerns, Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA)’s Chief Engineer of Bridges, John Bockarie Kamara, assured residents that the project has not been abandoned. He explained that construction includes building reinforced retaining walls to stabilize the collapsed embankment but stressed that seasonal challenges have slowed progress.
“Inasmuch as we are the ones managing the project, we cannot continue civil works during this kind of heavy rain,” Kamara said. “Work will resume once the weather improves.”
Until then, residents of Locust remain anxious, urging swift government intervention to prevent further risks and restore a safe, reliable link into the city.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday,25th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
