Post a comment
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Monday, 20th March 2023, formally launched the construction of the Manowa Bridge at the manual cable ferry crossing point in Pejeh Bongre Chiefdom, Kailahun District.
This project is under the Smallholder Commercialization and Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP).
In his statement at the event, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio thanked the people of Pejeh Bongre Chiefdom for supporting the SLPP and encouraged them to continue doing so.
He said the ferry crossings had been there in various parts of the country since independence and that it is only now under his government that modern bridges will be constructed to replace them and ease movement.
“This ferry system has been here since 1961 and in this modern age, we should be thinking about bridges to connect communities. This is why my government will construct this bridge over the Manowa river to connect Manowa and Pendembu and other communities. Agricultural activities in this region will thrive and also movement will be swift,” President Bio underscored.
The Manowa cable ferry crossing links the people of Manowa and Pendembu as well as other surrounding villages across the Moa River in Kailahun District.
The bridge when built will increase agricultural activities, enhance productivity and marketing, reduce travel time in accessing various communities and market centers, improve access to health facilities and save locals the risks associated with the ferry crossing.
The bridge is one of four (Two in the Eastern Region, one in the South and one in the North) being constructed by government at ferry crossing points. It costs US$ 7,458,318.61.
The funds are provided by the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank.
The project is expected to be completed in fifteen months time.
Credit: Strategic Communications Unit (MIC)
