By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
A Cry for Action: The Masiaka-Makeni Highway Pothole Crisis
The Masiaka-Makeni highway, a vital link in Sierra Leone’s transport network, has become a death trap due to the numerous potholes dug by the Roads Authority. These potholes, intended for repair work, have been left open for nearly a month with little to no progress, creating a hazard far worse than when they were initially left unattended. This situation calls for urgent intervention as it jeopardizes the safety of countless travellers who rely on this road daily.
The Current State of the Road
Initially, the potholes posed an inconvenience, but their current state has escalated the risks. Left open and unmarked, these gaping hazards are now causing vehicles to suffer tire bursts and damage to their suspensions. For drivers unfamiliar with the road, especially at night, navigating the highway has become a nightmare. The absence of adequate signage or barricades makes the journey perilous, and the potential for fatal accidents looms large.
A Delayed and Questionable Effort
The timing and pace of the repairs raise critical questions. Why has it taken so long to address these repairs effectively? Are the Roads Authority and contractors waiting for a tragedy to spur them into action? Worse still, there is speculation that this sudden repair effort is motivated not by public safety but by the anticipated travel of a high-profile dignitary to the region. This raises serious concerns about the prioritization of road maintenance based on political or personal considerations rather than the urgent needs of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Impact on Drivers and Communities
Drivers who are familiar with the road are doing their best to avoid the hazards, but those who are new to it face significant challenges. Nighttime travel has become particularly dangerous, with poor visibility compounding the risk. This situation not only endangers lives but also affects economic activities as goods and services rely on safe and efficient transport networks.
Communities along the highway, many of whom contribute their hard-earned money to taxes, are left wondering why their safety and well-being are not being prioritized. The delays and lack of communication from the Roads Authority reflect poorly on the institution’s commitment to serving the public.
The Way Forward
Speed Up Repairs: The Roads Authority must expedite the road repair process, deploying adequate manpower and equipment to ensure swift completion.
Prioritize Safety: Proper road markings, barricades, and reflective signs must be installed to alert drivers to ongoing construction and potential dangers.
Transparency and Accountability: The Roads Authority must communicate openly about the causes of the delay and the timeline for completion, ensuring accountability for the resources allocated to this project.
Prevent Future Occurrences: A proactive maintenance schedule should be implemented to avoid such crises in the future. Roads should not only be repaired when VIPs are expected to use them.
The current state of the Masiaka-Makeni highway is unacceptable. The longer these potholes remain unattended, the higher the likelihood of severe accidents and loss of lives. As taxpayers, Sierra Leoneans deserve better. The Roads Authority must rise to the occasion and demonstrate that the safety of citizens is their top priority. It is time to act decisively and swiftly—before more lives are needlessly put at risk.
This is not just a plea, but a demand for the Roads Authority to uphold its responsibility to the people of Sierra Leone.