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One of the advantages of democracy under a responsive government is the opportunity for constructive criticism.
If a leader values the lives of the citizens who elected them, they will address and rectify issues as necessary. Conversely, if a leader and their ministers do not prioritize the people, they may take offense at legitimate concerns.
However, if the concerns are for the public good, raising alarms about road safety and conditions—especially during the rainy season—should not be suppressed.
It is reassuring that this government has acknowledged the deplorable condition of aging public transport buses.
The Director of the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority confirmed on SLBC Morning Coffee that a loan has been secured to procure new buses for the provinces, and all old buses on major provincial highways will be grounded.
This is the kind of action a responsive government should take when legitimate public safety concerns arise.
Nevertheless, I was humorously labeled a “GLORY STEALER.”
Recent months have been extremely challenging for those traveling along the major provincial highways, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with current road conditions on the Bo/Freetown highway, where an increasing number of potholes and road accidents, worsened by heavy rains, pose significant risks. (Can someone please wake up the Road Maintenance Fund staff?)
The rains have exposed and undermined what was once a multi-million dollar road project, revealing poor construction practices.
It is not surprising to see reconstruction efforts underway at major crossings along the Waterloo/Freetown highway.
I believe the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should investigate the awarding of major road contracts in Sierra Leone, similar to the efforts led by the current Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Tawa Conteh, as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
We should focus on the longevity of these roads rather than merely celebrating their launch and the accompanying “BROWN ENVELOPES.” What can we expect when a significant portion of project funds is siphoned off as kickbacks instead of being used for actual implementation?
The current road conditions should be classified as a Level One Threat, especially given the rising number of fatal road accidents. Recently, a vehicle carrying Liberian nationals fell into a deep pothole near Tiama village, resulting in the deaths of all passengers.
Should we wait for more fatalities before realizing action is needed? Interestingly, the very road in question is frequently used by President Bio and his entourage. I wonder how they navigate the numerous potholes on either side of the road.
Historically, roads in such disrepair receive attention when a sitting President travels on them. If the Minister of Works and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) are unconcerned about these public safety issues, they should consider the growing number of passengers—including President Julius Maada Bio and his family—who must maneuver through these hazards.
Every Sierra Leonean life is invaluable; it should not be lost or compromised due to the negligence or incompetence of our elected officials or contractors. We are still mourning the recent building collapse at Shell in Freetown, which was attributed to a contractor prioritizing quantity over quality.
