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Residents and commuters are urging the government to permanently rehabilitate the Makeni-Makama Road in Bombali District, a key route that hosts major government offices, businesses, and the region’s main hospital.
The road, which connects several communities including Makama, New Jersey, and New York, serves the NASSIT office, Makeni City Plaza, FAWE School, and the Makeni Government Hospital — the biggest hospital in Northern Province.
Despite its importance, the road has been in poor condition for more than a decade. Large potholes, narrow lanes, and poorly barricaded gutters make it difficult for motorists, bike riders, and pedestrians to navigate. In the dry season, dust covers the road, while in the rainy season, potholes fill with water and become dangerous.
Residents say the problems go beyond inconvenience. They point to serious health risks, especially for pregnant women rushing to the hospital.
Abie Nancy Sesay Conteh, Advocacy and Communication Officer for the National Commission for Children North, previously shared her painful story of losing a five-month pregnancy while traveling on the road to seek medical care.
A resident who has lived on IB Kargbo Drive for 12 years said she has witnessed several tragedies.
“Pregnant women have had several horrible incidents on this road,” she said. “There was a time when a woman lost her leg due to the poor state of this road. Sometimes pregnant women go into early labor or have miscarriages.”
A commuter who regularly uses the route expressed frustration that the road is only receiving attention now.
“I recently learned that the president is on his way to Makeni and I’m sure that’s why this road is being fixed,” he said. “Which is good — but how long will this continue? Why not fix the road once and for all?”
Grading work recently started on the road, raising hopes among residents. However, many say they want a permanent solution, not temporary fixes.
The construction company currently working on the road declined to comment when approached by our reporter.
Community leaders and residents are now calling on the government and relevant authorities to finally address their long-standing complaints and provide a lasting solution to the road’s condition.
