The Government of Sierra Leone and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) will provide $8.5 million for Bumpeh Bridge in Southern Sierra Leone.

The project will see government provide 5 million US dollars while BADEA provides the remaining 3.5 million US dollars.

The bridge which has been out of use since September last year after a long vehicle was involved in an accident, will be constructed by Senegalese company, Campagnie Sahelienne d’Enterprises (CSE).

According to reports, preparations are currently be carried by the construction company in order to finish the work in two years time.

The company said that the new design of the 25 metre bridge will now be expanded into two lanes with a footpath for local pedestrians. The bridge is expected to have lifespan of 100 years from date of completion.

The bridge is among several bridges that was built in the colonial era. Engineers warned of its collapse as early as 2013 but authorities failed to adhere to warnings.