Post a comment
Ing. Alfred Jalil Momodu, Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), has issued a strong warning about the improper disposal of garbage on roads, emphasizing its detrimental effects on road maintenance and safety.
During the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Ing. Momodu highlighted the compounded challenges caused by heavy rains and the irresponsible disposal of waste.
The SLRA oversees the development, maintenance, and rehabilitation of Sierra Leone’s extensive road network, which spans 11,300 kilometers and includes major trunk roads, primary roads, feeder roads, and urban roads. A vital core network of approximately 4,000 kilometers is crucial for the country’s transportation and economic activities.
Ing. Momodu addressed ongoing complaints regarding inadequate drainage systems, attributing road flooding to the disposal of garbage into waterways. He clarified that while roads are designed to manage water, they are not equipped to handle large amounts of waste and dirt. “Our problems are man-made,” he remarked, pointing to improper construction practices on hilltops that damage water-catchment areas and exacerbate drainage issues.
The SLRA annually allocates funds for maintenance activities, including clearing drains and road surfaces. Despite receiving an average of 120 million leones from the Road Maintenance Fund (RMF), there remains a significant shortfall of about 1 billion 305 million leones. This funding is collected through an ECOWAS-recommended fuel levy.
To address these challenges, the SLRA has incorporated an annual “Drainage Cleaning Exercise” into their maintenance program and is committed to resolving road-related issues before, during, and after the rainy season. Ing. Momodu also encouraged citizens to utilize the SLRA’s 24-hour emergency unit for urgent situations and to contact the SLRA for assistance at any time.
By addressing these issues proactively, Ing. Momodu aims to improve road conditions and ensure better management of the country’s infrastructure.
