Sierra Leone basks in the glory of EU funded road infrastructure
The situation in Sierra Leone has progressively improved since the end of the civil war. Road infrastructure has played a significant role in transforming livelihoods, improving basic social services and enhancing the quality of lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Access roads and their impact on livelihoods
As a key connecting point to the South-eastern region of Sierra Leone, Moyamba Junction is an intersection and stop-over for commuters seeking a healthy break before continuing with their journey. It is also a meeting point for people looking for local farm produce such as vegetables and fruits.
The vibrancy of Moyamba Junction is attributed to the good road network that has brought forth many benefits and enabled communities living along the road to earn an honest living.
The improvement of Sierra Leone’s roads including the grading and taring of most roads leading to district headquarters across the country is credited to bilateral ties between the European Union (EU) and the Government.
Now fully operational, the 35 kilometer stretch of road from Moyamba Junction to Moyamba town was constructed and completed in 2022, with the support of the European Union, at a cost of 48-million Euro.
But that is not all. The EU is currently constructing another road – a 14-kilometer stretch from Makolo Junction to the Koblo-Gulama Bridge, which is a critical point of demarcation between Ribbi chiefdom in Moyamba district in the south and Koya chiefdom, in Port Loko district in the North-west.
Economic and social impact
Ms. Nyanda Robert, a trader in farm produce at Moyamba Junction, acknowledges the positive impact the road has had on communities in that area. She says the existence of the road has created opportunities that have kept her family afloat during harsh economic times.
“Two of my brothers were employed as construction workers during the construction of the road. That was a huge boost to my family as they became a pillar of support to us from the income they were making,” she explained.
She goes on to add that other young men and women from surrounding villages have also benefited from the road construction. “Most of them abandoned Okada business for road construction.”
Ms. Nancy Brown, a vegetable and fruit vendor, goes back in time when the road was still in a deplorable state. “Sometimes all the vegetables and fruits would go bad even before they reach the market, because of the time spent transporting them.”
She adds: “Leafy vegetables were difficult to manage. When it was dusty and sunny, they wilted away before they got to the market. As a result, we incurred heavy losses.”
Mr. Mohamed Samba, another Okada rider, worked as a laborer in one of the road construction sites. Apart from learning construction skills, he also made good money to support his family.
“Apart from this Okada business that I do, I now have some basic construction skills that will prove useful to me when need arises. I had to return to Okada riding when the project ended, because I sensed I was now going to make more money in less time with a good road network in place. The wide bridges that have replaced the old ones have also made the road safer for users,” he remarked.
Mr. Augustine Musa, a farmer, points out that the Gbangbanma Bridge has made movement in and out of the villages safe.
“This new bridge is very useful to us. You can even see, the water source is over the old bridge (pointing in its direction) and it was risky for children and women to fetch water using the old bridge that was also used by vehicles and bikes.”
On a lighter note, Musa says the road has improved social life in his community.
“Villages are now better connected, the nightlife more vibrant compared to the time when the bridge was narrow and in disrepair”, he mused. “Often, we leave Gbangbanma at night to attend shows in Moyamba Town and return very early the following day to continue with our work in the farms.”
EUD Sierra Leone
The Makolo Junction corridor
The Makolo Junction corridor from the North-west of Sierra Leone to Moyamba, hosts the iconic Koblo-Gulama Bridge, also constructed with support of the European Union. The contractor estimates that the road that stretches to the bridge will be complete in a couple of months’ time. When completed, the road will provide a shortcut to Moyamba district for travelers from the West and North-western parts of the country.
Mr. James Cole, the Secretary to the paramount chief of Koya Chiefdom describes the corridor as “the best thing that has happened in the community”, since the construction of the Koblo-Gulama Bridge.
“This road you see here, when completed, will serve as the shortest route to Moyamba. Instead of driving through Masiaka and Mile-91 to reach Moyamba Junction and access Moyamba district, you can easily stop at Makolo and make your way into Moyamba town,” he noted. “This is a very important road.”
Improved connectivity is one of the objectives of EU infrastructure development in Sierra Leone. The EU believes that building roads and bridges will not only enhance connectivity and access to essential services, but it will also foster economic growth, as well as boost agricultural production and trade.
