Safer Travel and Thriving Businesses: The Road from Makolo Junction to Mabang Bridge

Ambassador Jankowski's trip began at the 14-kilometer road construction project that links Makolo Junction to the Koblo-Gulama (Mabang) Bridge. This vital project, co-funded by the EU and the Government of Sierra Leone, is opening up exciting new possibilities for local people. This important route connects the Northwest region, through the Koya Chiefdom in Port Loko District, to the Ribbi Chiefdom in the Moyamba District in Southern Sierra Leone.

At the heart of this connection is the Mabang Bridge, an impressive 231 meters long, making it one of the longest in Sierra Leone. While the bridge's opening by President Julius Maada Bio was a significant step forward, the poor condition of the roads leading to it continued to make travel challenging. Now, with the EU covering over 60% of the cost to fix these roads, everything is set to change. This initiative will fully unlock the bridge's potential, ensuring smooth and easy transportation for both everyday travelers and traders in the region.

For local residents like Santigie Kamara, a businessman, this road project is truly life-changing: 

EU Del Sierra Leone

"We have waited so long for this road! The bridge is fantastic, but without good roads, getting around was still so difficult. Before, we had to cross the river by boat – it was dangerous and sadly, there were many accidents. Now, we expect our businesses to grow, and life will simply be easier. We are so grateful to the EU and the Government for making this happen."

During his visit, Ambassador Jankowski was accompanied by Engineer Vandy French, the Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLAR), representatives from the Senegalese construction firm Compagnie Sahélienne d’Entreprises (CSE), and engineering consultants Politecnica, who are supervising the work. Together, they inspected the progress being made on the roadworks.

Faster Access to Healthcare and Education: The Bandajuma to Liberia Road and Bridges

Next, the Ambassador visited the 100-kilometer Bandajuma to Liberia road and bridges project, a substantial €105 million investment that connects Sierra Leone with its neighbors, Liberia and Guinea. This road is a key part of the Praia-Dakar-Abidjan corridor, a crucial trade route that forms part of the larger Trans-West African Coastal Highway. This improved road network will significantly boost trade and strengthen regional connections – a central goal of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.

EU Delegation to Sierra Leone

Before this project, unreliable hand-pulled ferries made travel slow and often dangerous. Now, three new bridges – the impressive 225-meter Sewa Bridge, the 82-meter Waanje Bridge, and the 162-meter Moa Bridge – are making journeys faster, safer, and much more reliable. This will not only make regional trade and integration easier but also reduce travel times and accidents, and importantly, improve access to basic social services for communities along the route.

For people like Joseph Abu from Moala village, the impact is already huge: "Traveling to places like Bo or Zimmi used to take forever, and when the ferries broke down, it was a real nightmare. Now, we can get where we need to go quickly and safely. But the best thing? Getting to a hospital in an emergency is no longer nearly impossible. Before, we had to risk everything just to reach medical help. Now, that fear is gone, and we have the EU to thank for it."

More Than Roads: Real Improvements in Everyday Life

The positive effects of these projects extend far beyond just transportation. Alongside the construction of roads and bridges, the EU has also invested in improvements that directly benefit communities, including:

• New and renovated markets and community centers to support local businesses and social interaction.
• Improved schools and maternity wards to provide better education and healthcare services.
• Water and sanitation facilities to ensure cleaner and healthier communities.
• Solar panels to bring much-needed electricity to rural areas.

Ambassador Jankowski emphasized the EU’s strong commitment, stating: 

"Seeing these changes up close and meeting the people who are directly benefiting from them is truly inspiring.  Roads and bridges are more than just infrastructure – they connect people, create opportunities, and build a better future. The EU is proud to be a partner in supporting Sierra Leone on its journey towards growth and development."

As these important projects move closer to completion, they stand as powerful examples of how smart investments can truly transform lives. With safer roads, stronger bridges, and more connected communities, Sierra Leone is steadily moving towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all its people.

EU Delegation to Sierra Leone