In a significant push to modernize Sierra Leone’s transport infrastructure, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has intensified its nationwide road and bridge construction efforts, the announcement was made by the Authority’s Director-General, engineer Alfred Jalil Momodu, during an exclusive interview with, Ing. Momodu highlighted several ongoing and upcoming strategic projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic development across the country.
We have launched multiple critical road construction projects, including the Kailahun to Koindu route, the Tinkoko Junction roadway, and the Gbetima to Mattru Jong corridor, he revealed. He added that the latter also includes the reconstruction of the collapsed Bompeh Tabeh Bridge, a vital transport link for the region,
One of the flagship projects currently underway is the construction of a major highway between Kabala and Falaba. Meanwhile, the Bandajuma to Pujehun road is approaching its final stages and will soon be ready for use.
Looking ahead, the Director-General disclosed a new 105-kilometre road project that will stretch from Kambia through Madina Junction to Tomparreh, this ambitious venture has already secured full financial backing from the Islamic Development Bank, furthermore, a 65km road connecting Bawuya and Beduga is also in the pipeline, supported by development partners, including PADIA.
Ing. Momodu emphasized the Authority’s continued vigilance in road maintenance across the country; we are swift in responding to road damage. Our teams have recently intervened in key areas such as the Bo–Mile 91 road, the Tonko–Bompeh corridor, and the Kenema–Zimmi highway, he noted.
Despite these achievements, the SLRA is grappling with seasonal and urban challenges. According to the Director-General, heavy rains and poor waste management habits especially in cities like Freetown are impeding infrastructure performance.
“Blocked drainages caused by indiscriminate garbage dumping are a major problem. To tackle this, we’ve deployed small-scale contractors to clean and clear critical points such as Benz Garage and other vulnerable locations throughout Freetown, he stated.
Ing. Momodu also raised concerns about the ageing condition of bridges nationwide, many of our bridges have exceeded their intended lifespan. In recent months, we’ve witnessed structural failures at Mathehun Bridge, Newcastle Bridge, and parts of the Lowcost and Oldskool bridges in Freetown, he said.
In response, the SLRA has mobilized leading construction firms, including Gento Group, to undertake urgent repair and replacement works, a modern two-lane bridge is planned for the Oldskool area, while temporary access routes are being constructed at the Lowcost site to ease traffic congestion.
We are transitioning into a new era of proactive infrastructure development, Ing. Momodu concluded, our goal is to ensure safe, sustainable, and accessible road networks that support national growth and resilience.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 30TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
