By Josephine Sesay

In a pressing request to the government, the Karene District Drivers Union has reported a critical situation concerning the road infrastructure to Kamakwie and Tambaka. The union has expressed grave concerns over the abandoned construction of a temporary by pass that was promised by the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).

The absence of a functional road has led to a severe shortage of fuel in Kamakwie and Tambaka, causing a dramatic increase in the prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities. The scarcity of fuel and the resultant inflation have put immense pressure on the local population, compounding their daily struggles

According to the union, work on the by-pass ceased two weeks ago, with no signs of progress or workers present on site. The halted construction has left the area without a viable route for trucks, including essential fuel tankers, to access Kamakwie town. This situation has exacerbated the difficulties for local residents, as the only alternative by pass for light-weight vehicles has become increasingly dangerous and is now widely rejected by drivers traveling from Freetown and Makeni.

In light of these dire conditions, the Karene District Drivers Union has urgently called upon the government to provide financial support to SLRA. The goal is to rush the backfilling of the temporary container bridge, which is crucial for restoring regularity to the transportation network and alleviating the current economic strain on the community. The union’s plea underscores the need for immediate government action to address the infrastructure challenges and mitigate the ongoing impact on local livelihoods.