The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) is a government agency responsible for the planning, control and construction of all roads across Sierra Leone.

Over the years, the government of Sierra Leone through the Sierra Leone Roads Authority awarded contract to the China Railway International Group (CRIG) for the construction of a road leading from Berry Street to Gloucester community in Freetown.
The Human Resources Manager for CRIG, Aruna Babgura said that because government had delayed payment to the company that has delayed the completion of the road, and causing it being done slowly.

“I felt sorry for those that have been affected by the heavy down pour of the rains and hoping that the Management of SLRA and CRIG will try by all possible means to compensate those were affected,” he explained.

One of the affected person Boi Davices explained that he is currently looking for another resident because he is any longer safe with his family, adding that he had almost lost all his appliances because of the mud and water entering their homes.

He requested for the government to help them because they have nothing ‘to write home about’ and they are currently sleeping in a neighbor’s house with his family.

Fatmata Koroma also explained to this medium that if government does not intervene immediately they will find it very difficult coping with the onslaught of water and mud. It has already destroyed her property worth to the tune of millions of Leones.

She also pointed out that they have been sleeping in a neighbor’s house for over two weeks. She added that if government should compensate them they will try to relocate themselves, as the location is no more conducive for them to stay.

The Public Relations Officer for the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) Keifa Jaward informed this medium that they always do routine site inspection visit and they are aware of the incidents and the management would accept its responsibility.

Mr Jaward assured that the management of SLRA is currently working with the community in making sure they address the issues.
“The Management of SLRA had also given some stipends to some youths in that community to construct drainages for diverting the water in the meantime,” He said.

He added that the China Railway International Group (CRIG) is currently building a retaining wall to finally solve the problem.

The PRO said that the management is facing huge challenges with their budget, even though they had submitted their budget to the Ministry of Finance, but yet still is not approved.

“We are aware of their situation, we are very much concerned after we had mobilized resources for the project to recommence and we will be able to sort out their problems.”