Residents of Baoma community in Kailahun District have united to launch a self-support road maintenance initiative aimed at improving access and connectivity for their neighborhood.

Every Saturday, youth groups, men, and women gather to dedicate their time and resources to work on the road that links their community to Kailahun Town, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing local infrastructure.

The initiative emerged out of necessity, as the road leading to Baoma has suffered from years of neglect, making it difficult for residents to transport goods, access markets, and seek medical care.

The deteriorating condition of the road has also posed challenges during the rainy season, further isolating the community. Recognizing this pressing issue, community members took matters into their own hands by organizing regular workdays to repair and maintain the road.

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“Every Saturday, we come together as a community to make our road better,” said James Bockarie, the Bike riders Union chairman in the Baoma community. “This road is crucial for our access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. We understand that we need to take the first step in improving our situation, which is why we have committed ourselves to this project.”

Despite their dedication and hard work, the community members have pointed out that they lack adequate tools and equipment to perform the maintenance tasks effectively. As such, they are appealing to the Kailahun District Council and humanitarian organizations for assistance in providing the necessary working tools.

“The work is challenging without proper tools. We are calling on our district council and humanitarian organizations to support us by providing shovels, hoes, and other road maintenance equipment,” Bockarie added. “With better tools, we can do a more thorough job and ensure the road is durable for years to come.”

The self-support initiative has also fostered a sense of unity among the residents, with all age groups coming together for a common cause. Women, in particular, have been actively participating, contributing both labor and resources, while also organizing refreshments for the workers to keep morale high during long workdays.

Chairman James Bockarie emphasized the importance of collaboration amongst the residents. “This is about more than just fixing a road; it’s about building our community. When we work together, we strengthen our bonds and show that we can tackle challenges head-on.”

Local leaders have expressed their support for the initiative, commending the residents for their proactive approach to road maintenance. “The initiative by the Baoma community is a commendable example of self-help and determination,” said Wurie Jalloh, a former local councilor. “I urge the district council and NGOs to heed their call for assistance, as investing in this community will have lasting benefits.”