ADDRESSING THE LOW-COST BRIDGE NOW

Is it that until this Low-Cost Bridge in the East kills people before the government takes action? Or is it because we are in the eastern part of Freetown?

By: Jensen Brian Abass Cummings

In Freetown, the Low-Cost Bridge at Kissy Bypass Road, which serves as a vital transportation link between the eastern and other parts of the city, is in urgent need of repair. This bridge is a lifeline for thousands of commuters and pedestrians who rely on it daily. However, despite its deteriorating condition and the increasing risks posed to users, the government has shown little urgency in addressing the situation. The question now is: Will it take a tragedy, with lives lost, before the government takes action? Or is this neglect due to the fact that the bridge is in the eastern part of the city?

For months, residents of the eastern part of Freetown have been using the Low-Cost Bridge despite its perilous state. The structural integrity of the bridge is compromised, and it is now a serious safety hazard. The growing concern is that it is only a matter of time before the bridge collapses, and lives are lost. Yet, the authorities have done very little to repair or replace the bridge. This negligence is not just an inconvenience—it is an ongoing risk to public safety.

An additional complication is that the Waka Fine buses—commercial vehicles that traditionally serviced other routes—have made this particular road the only route they operate on from morning until 10am. These buses are now the primary means of transportation for many, causing significant congestion and putting more strain on the already deteriorating bridge. This has only worsened the situation for commuters and residents who rely on this route. The lack of alternative transportation options exacerbates the problem, as thousands of people are left with no other choice but to use the Low-Cost Bridge, putting their lives at risk.

What makes the situation even more dire is the impending rainy season. The coming rains will only worsen the condition of the bridge, making it even more unstable. The water and heavy rainfall could accelerate the degradation of the bridge, turning it into a potential disaster zone. Without timely intervention from the government, the danger to human life will increase as the rainy season progresses, leaving commuters and pedestrians in an even more perilous situation.

Adding to the frustration is the fact that the Newcastle Street Bridge—which once served as an alternative route—has been closed since October of last year after it was deemed unsafe by road authorities. Since the closure, this vital bridge has been abandoned with no clear plans for repair or replacement. As a result, the closure of the Newcastle Street Bridge has left the eastern side of Freetown with limited options for safe travel. The government has made no concrete efforts to address the issue, leaving thousands of residents stranded in a city already plagued by traffic congestion and a lack of infrastructure.

The situation has led to growing frustration among residents. It is particularly distressing for those living on the eastern side of the city, who feel neglected by the authorities. This disparity in the way infrastructure issues are handled between the eastern and western parts of Freetown is causing significant resentment. In the western part of the city, when bridges or roads were in need of repair, action was taken swiftly to prevent any disruptions. In contrast, the eastern part has been left to suffer with crumbling infrastructure and no clear response from the government.

The people of Freetown, especially those in the east, are now asking the government, Why are we being treated differently? Why does it take a tragedy before our needs are addressed? The eastern part of the city deserves equal attention, and its residents should not be made to feel as though their lives are worth less than those in other parts of Freetown.

The failure to repair or replace these crucial bridges is not only a matter of inconvenience but a failure to protect the lives of the people who depend on them. The Low-Cost Bridge and the Newcastle Street Bridge are vital to the daily functioning of the eastern part of the city. The government’s delay in addressing these issues has caused significant disruption, and as the rainy season approaches, the urgency of the situation has never been more apparent.

It is time for the government to act. Immediate steps must be taken to repair or replace the Low-Cost Bridge and the Newcastle Street Bridge. Without action, it is only a matter of time before a tragedy strikes. Alternative routes must be provided to ease traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The Waka Fine buses that have made this route their only operational route must also be properly managed to prevent further strain on the already fragile infrastructure. Furthermore, safety measures should be implemented immediately to protect the users of these bridges until full repairs can be made.

The government must show that it values the lives of all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of where they live. The people of Freetown, especially those in the eastern part, deserve better. The time for action is now—before it’s too late. We are calling on the government to take swift and decisive action to restore these vital structures. The residents of Freetown cannot afford to wait any longer.