SLRSA Boss James Bio Leads Crackdown on Illegal Roadside Structures in Western Area

The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), James Bagie Bio, on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, led an enforcement operation in Goderich aimed at removing illegal roadside structures obstructing traffic and endangering public safety.

Mr. Bio, accompanied by his deputy, Josie Abraham Scott Manga, and a team of officials, oversaw the clearance of unauthorized shops, roadside garages, and abandoned vehicles erected along key roadways.

Speaking during the operation, Deputy Executive Director Manga stated that the exercise forms part of an ongoing nationwide enforcement campaign initiated by the Authority. He disclosed that the operation had earlier covered the Waterloo to Masiaka Highway stretch, which he described as “already exhausted,” before shifting focus to the Western Area.

“We have started the operation in the Western Area, beginning from Ogu Farm through the Peninsula, to ensure that we clear the right of way in order to protect the lives of pedestrians,” Manga said.

He emphasized that many roadside garages have been constructed illegally within designated right-of-way zones, thereby posing risks to both motorists and pedestrians.

“There are some garages erected by the roadsides which are not supposed to be there because they are disturbing the right of way. Wherever we see such garages, we will tow the vehicles, and even the structures erected on the right of way will be demolished,” he warned.

Manga further noted that the public had been duly informed ahead of the enforcement exercise through the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, which had previously identified affected areas and marked illegal structures with warning signs. He confirmed that the operation is being conducted in collaboration with the SLRA and the Sierra Leone Police.

He concluded with a strong caution to the public against occupying road reserves, reiterating that any structure found within the right of way would be demolished, and vehicles associated with such structures would be towed to SLRSA premises for retrieval.

The enforcement drive reflects what officials describe as a renewed push by SLRSA under Mr. Bio’s leadership to restore order on the roads, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety standards across the country.