Residents Appeal to First Lady for Urgent Bridge Construction on Makeni-Kamakwei Highway

Residents in Karene District have appealed to the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, to intervene in the construction of a bridge along the Makeni-Kamakwie highway, citing persistent difficulties caused by the absence of a proper crossing.

In a formal appeal dated August 17, 2026, the Limba People of Sierra Leone, Makeni, Bombali District, said the lack of a durable bridge has increasingly disrupted transportation and access to essential services, particularly during the rainy season.

The residents said Kamakwie is home to thousands of farmers, traders, students and families who rely heavily on the highway as a major connection to Makeni and other parts of the country. They noted that when heavy rains set in, crossing points along the route can become dangerous or completely impassable.

According to the appeal, the situation has severely affected agricultural activities, with farmers struggling to transport produce to markets in Makeni, resulting in spoilage and financial losses.

Pregnant women and sick people also reportedly face delays in accessing hospitals and health centres, while students experience difficulties reaching school safely during periods of flooding.

The residents further said traders and small businesses have suffered declining incomes because of unreliable transportation and limited access, while emergency services and government support are also hampered when the road becomes difficult to navigate.

The group appealed to the First Lady to use her office to engage the Government of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority and relevant development partners to facilitate the construction of a durable bridge along the Makeni–Kamakwie highway.

They said such infrastructure would restore safe and reliable access to Kamakwie and neighbouring communities while creating greater opportunities for trade, education, healthcare delivery and broader development in Karene District.

The residents expressed their willingness to cooperate with the First Lady’s office and relevant government agencies by providing information, community support and local labour that may be required for the project.

They concluded the appeal by expressing hope for a positive response and an opportunity to welcome the First Lady to Kamakwie.