The World Bank has commended the pace and quality of work on the Manowa Bridge being constructed under the Sierra Leone Climate Resilience and Development Project (SCADeP) in Kailahun District, describing implementation as satisfactory while calling for continued efforts to improve accessibility.
The assessment followed a high-level supervision mission led by Zarau Kibwe, which inspected the 180-metre bridge and its approach roads.
The mission noted that the project is progressing well and meeting expected standards, but emphasized the need to sustain momentum, particularly in ensuring that surrounding communities can fully access the infrastructure once completed.
According to officials, the project—implemented with support from the Sierra Leone Roads Authority—is already having a positive impact on more than 155,000 people, many of them women. The bridge is expected to significantly improve mobility in the area by replacing dangerous ferry crossings that have long posed risks to residents.
The World Bank mission highlighted that once completed, the Manowa Bridge will ease the movement of people and goods, especially for farming communities. By improving access to markets, the project is anticipated to boost local trade and strengthen economic opportunities across Kailahun District and neighboring areas.
The bridge forms part of broader efforts under SCADeP to enhance rural connectivity and build climate-resilient infrastructure in Sierra Leone, with a focus on supporting vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable development.









