Presidential Spokesperson, Alhaji Alpha Kanu has disclosed that the construction of the much-anticipated Lungi Bridge is not part of President Julius Maada Bio’s current agenda.

Africa Newspaper reports that the revelation was made on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, during a press briefing at the Administrative Building in Parliament.

According to Kanu, while discussions had taken place between the government and potential investors regarding the bridge’s construction, the project has been deemed financially impractical. He explained that the number of vehicles traveling between Lungi and Freetown is minimal, making the $2 billion investment difficult to justify.

Kanu further mentioned that the bridge, if it were to be constructed, would operate as a toll bridge. However, he emphasized that the government remains in negotiations with investors to explore alternative terms, though the bridge is no longer a priority.

Instead, Kanu highlighted the “Big 5 Game Changers” as the government’s primary focus over the next four years, shifting attention away from the bridge project.

The promise of a bridge linking Lungi to Freetown was a key issue during President Bio’s 2018 campaign, with high expectations set during and after the election. At one point, supporters even prepared for a launch event, donning T-shirts in anticipation of the project’s start.

However, as time passed, the momentum around the bridge’s construction waned, echoing the unfulfilled promises from the late President Tejan Kabbah’s administration, who had also voiced intentions to build the bridge but never materialized.

Residents of Lungi, who have long awaited a solution to the transportation challenges they face, expressed frustration over the government’s shift in priorities. With ferry services now unreliable and fares on the rise, many feel the government has once again let them down.