By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Tragedy struck Katic Village on November 5, as three secondary schoolgirls drowned while attempting to cross the Sails River to return home from school. The incident, which took place in the absence of a safe bridge, has left the community heartbroken and has once again highlighted the dangers faced by residents due to neglected infrastructure.
The three young girls 17-year-old Mariatu Sheka Kamara, a student in SSS 2; 16-year-old Fatmata Shekuna Kamara, in JSS 3; and 15-year-old Sallamatu Cole, in JSS 2 were students at Kankaylay Islamic Agricultural Secondary School in Gbainty Wallah. Because Katic Village lacks a secondary school, these students were among many who must cross to a neighboring village daily to attend classes.
On that fateful day, the girls were returning from school when their boat capsized mid-river. Local residents attempted to rescue them, but the swift current proved too strong, claiming the lives of all three.
Months ago, a report had already highlighted the collapsed bridge in Katic Village and the risks faced by commuters, especially schoolchildren, who rely on crossing the river daily. The collapsed bridge once connected Katic Village with neigh boring communities, providing safe access to essential services. Since its collapse, villagers have been forced to use makeshift boats as their only means of crossing a hazardous choice that has now proven fatal.
Community members and leaders have repeatedly called for government support to rebuild the bridge or provide a safer alternative, but those appeals have gone unanswered. This tragedy, however, has reignited the call for immediate government intervention to prevent further loss of life.
“Our children’s lives are in danger every day just to get to school,” said a community elder. “These three girls had dreams and futures, and now they are gone because we have been left without any safe way to cross.”
This devastating incident has sparked widespread grief and anger in Katic Village, with local leaders urging authorities to act swiftly. They argue that rural areas deserve infrastructure that keeps their communities safe and enables children to pursue an education without risking their lives.
Activists and concerned citizens across Sierra Leone are joining the call for the government to prioritize the rebuilding of the bridge. The Chiefdom council, school officials, and local advocates emphasize that further delays could lead to more tragedies and that rural communities deserve safe passage just as much as those in urban areas.
As Sierra Leone mourns the loss of these three young lives, this incident serves as a painful reminder of the critical need for equitable infrastructure in all regions. For the families of Mariatu, Fatmata, and Sallamatu, the tragedy is a reminder of a system that has failed them. This is a pivotal moment for action and for ensuring that every child can pursue their education safely, without risking their lives.
This tragedy should mark the beginning of a commitment to rebuild not only the bridge but also the hope and safety of Katic Village and communities like it. The people of Lokomasama Chiefdom, who are deeply grieving this loss, ask that their plea for safe infrastructure is finally heard and acted upon.
The Fiscal Transparency Initiative aligns with broader national goals for sustainable development and responsible governance, marking a significant stride in Sierra Leone’s journey toward fiscal accountability. The Chief Minister’s Office expressed optimism that this approach will foster greater collaboration between the government and its citizens, ultimately leading to more effective public service delivery.