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Mabanta Ferry, the main access point into Sanda Magbolontor Chiefdom in Karene District, Northern Sierra Leone, has gone out of service following damage caused by a vehicle brake failure, leading to serious disruptions for residents, commuters and motorists.
Local residents say the incident occurred when a vehicle with failed brakes ran onto the ferry, damaging it and rendering it unusable. Since then, movement into and out of the chiefdom has been severely affected, as the ferry serves as the primary crossing point linking Sanda Magbolontor to surrounding communities.
As a result of the breakdown, travelers and residents have been forced to use alternative means of crossing the river, including canoes and motorbikes. According to residents, these options are unsafe and pose serious risks, especially for women, children and the elderly. They say the situation remains critical and continues to cause hardship for road users and motorists who depend on the ferry for daily movement and trade.
Residents described the disruption as a major setback to economic and social activities in the chiefdom, noting that access to markets, healthcare services and other essential needs has been greatly hindered.
Stranded chiefdom stakeholders have now appealed to the government and relevant authorities to urgently intervene. They are calling for a lasting and reliable solution to the problem, stressing that the construction of a bridge would permanently address the recurring challenges associated with the ferry crossing.
According to the stakeholders, a bridge at Mabanta would not only ease the suffering of residents of Sanda Magbolontor Chiefdom but would also benefit travelers and communities beyond the chiefdom who rely on the route.
As of the time of reporting, no official response has been issued by the authorities regarding the ferry’s condition or plans for alternative arrangements.
